PATNA BOOK FAIR 1994: “NEVER BEFORE”

The concept of Patna Book Fair was first developed way back in 1980 but the association of book traders – Bihar Rajya Pustak Vyavasayi Sangh – was under re-organisation then. Therefore, it was not possible to hold the event at the time. The National Book Trust, India decided to hold the 11th National Book Fair in Patna sometime in September 1985. Shri T. K. Bose of Bharati Bhawan (P & D), Patna and the undersigned found place in the Advisory Committee of 11th National Book Fair. Due to certain unavoidable reasons the NBT was not in a position to start the event on schedule on account of which it announced cancellation of the show on the day when it was to begin. The present director of NBT was the president of Akhil Bharatiya Hindi Prakashak Sangh, Delhi at the time. He tried his level best to get the show cancelled and defame Bihar. The re-organised Bihar Rajya Pustak Vyavasayi Sangh had become a strong medium of book traders by 1985. The undersigned was its General Secretary. Had the announced event of NBT not taken place in Patna, it would have been a blot on Bihar. The Bihar Rajya Pustak Vyavasayi Sangh first politely requested Shri Arvind Kumar and then strongly warned him to desist from his destructive activities. As a result while all participants took part in the fair in 1985 Shri A. Kumar went back to Delhi with his bag and baggage. Co-operating NBT, India, the Bihar Rajya Pustak Vyavasayi Sangh steered the show through successfully between 3rd to 10th October 1985.

The name of Shri R.S. Gupta of M/s Neeta Prakashan, Delhi will remain at the top of 1988 show. The dignitaries associated with the event were: Dr. B.D. Jatti – Chairman, Shri Akshay Kumar Jain – Vice Chairman, Shri L. P. Shahi – Chief Patron, Shri D. P. Yadav – Chairman, Reception Committee and Shri Nagendra Jha – Patron. The event was the culmination of combined efforts of Bihar Rajya Pustak Vyavasayi Sangh, Patna, Federation of Educational Publishers in India, Delhi and Indian Council of Child Education, Delhi. While Shri O. P. Shastri was its General Secretary, the undersigned was its Secretary. Shri Y. P. Ranade, Shri H. L. Gupta, Shri Ashok Sharma, Shri Mohinder Choudhary, Shri Rupendra Kasyap, Shri B. M. Keley and all other members associated with the above federations rank at the vanguard of the list of people of 1988 event. While dedicated workers like Dr. M. N. Jha and Dr. B. N. Choudhary are required to hold this event, a leader with strong determination is a pre-requisite for the show. The event of 1988 was inaugurated by Shri Govind Narain Singh, the then Governor of Bihar.

To hold this event independently on regular basis the Educational Guild of Bihar was formed which has members from all cross sections of the society. The renowned paediatrician Dr. Lala Surajnandan Prasad is its present president. Shri J. L. Arya, Chairman of the Reception Committee of Patna Book Fair is the senior member of Advisory Committee and has played active and significant role since the very inception of the event. Dr. D. D. Guru, Head of the Deptt. of Economics, A. N. Sinha Institute of Social Studies is the Patron of Guild. We feel honoured to have Prof. Sachchidananda, former V. C., Ranchi University, Dr. C. Jha, former V.C., Mithila University and Prof. Pradhan H. Prasad, former Director of A. N. Sinha Institute of Social Studies in our Advisory Committee besides a score of senior development bureaucrats, intellectuals, academicians and prominent citizens.

Bihar has been in the news since 1988 for staging this event of prime significance which is today regarded as number one in the annals of national book fairs of our nation. As the curtain downs on Patna Book Fair, we fondly remember Shri Rajivji who, in fact, first launched this movement by giving a slogan on his multi-coloured portrait in his own initial A book is a beacon of light (Har Pustak Ek Mashal Hai) – during his premiership in October 1988. The final meeting of the Advisory Committee to work out the details of 1988 event took place in the Parliament House on the 21st October under the chairmanship of former Vice President of India Hon’ble Dr. B.D. Jatti who, incidentally is the Chief Patron of Patna Book Fair. The first Patna Book Fair held from 13th to 23rd November, 1988 was a resounding success. Shri Rajivji was also closely associated with the two successive events in 1990 and 1991. He had given his consent to inaugurate the third Patna Book Fair slated from 30th November 1991.

Encouraged by the spectacular success of first Patna Book Fair held in 1988, we organised the second Patna Book Fair from 20th November to 3rd December, 1990 on a much larger scale which the former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi had very kindly accorded his consent to inaugurate through his then Special Assistant. The fair could not be inaugurated by him due to the fact that it coincided with the hectic political developments at the centre. The third Patna Book Fair was announced at the closing ceremony of second Patna Book Fair on 3rd December 1990. On account of Rajivji’s keenness in the event, it was unanimously decided by the Guild to seek his consent once again for the inauguration of the 1991 show—the third in the series. Accordingly after prior ‘appointment’ a delegation reached Delhi on 15th January 1991 to meet Shri Gandhi. It was the coldest evening of January 1991 but he warmly welcomed us with his august consent without giving a second thought to inaugurate the third Patna Book Fair slated from 30th November 1991. He re-confirmed his consent on 5th May, 1991 at 6.00 p.m. while he was in Patna on the day for a brief stop-over to address a rally at Gandhi Maidan. But unfortunately again that was not to be, this time due to tragic and untimely demise of this noble soul of our country. Thus, the credit of associating the Premier of the nation to a book exhibition goes to Patna Book Fair only. It is indeed an irony that the movement that was launched by him in 1988 could not be graced with his physical presence in spite of his best intention on three occasions. The 1990 event was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Lokayukta Shri S. Sarvar Ali while the then Governor Shri Yunus Salim was the Chief Guest at the Closing Ceremony. Dr. Jagannath Mishra, former Chief Minister of Bihar was the Chairman of the event.

It is gratifying to note that the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Laloo Prasad is the only head of the State in Bihar under whose patronage a book fair has been organised fourth time in succession. The Hon’ble Chief Minister has also been kind enough to waive all charges for the fairground for the past three events on account of which we again seek his largesse this year for the cause of education and literacy.

The fair also has the blessings of Rev. Mother Teressa who could not grace the inaugural ceremony as Chief Guest in 1990 owing to her ailing health. The fair attracts a good number of participants from abroad as well. Some of such notable participants of the fairs are: the Embassy of Bulgaria, British Deputy High Commission, Maxwell-Macmillan, Singapore, ISKCON, U.S.A. and Vostok from U.S.S.R. This year we are having ‘WHO’ (World Health Organization) in our family. While this event has the honour to associate key personalities like Mr. Ian McClunney, British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Don Sloan, First Secretary of British High Commission, Senior Journalists Shri Vidya Niwas Mishra, Mr. Dilip Padgaonkar, the celebrated author Dr. Namvar Singh with it at some time or the other, it has also created many firsts by having distinguished visitors in Shri G.P. Koirala, the Prime Minister of Nepal, cartoonist Shri R.K. Laxman, film-makers Shakti Samant—Shri Ram Vohra-Atmaram, film-actor Shri Shatrughna Sinha and others besides scores of litterateurs, Chief Justices, Governors, Chief Ministers, Ministers, MPs, MLAs and prominent citizens from other states as well. It is indeed a treat to watch such eminent personalities at the event. This is perhaps the only event that is covered so widely by the print and electronic media. Voice of America broadcast a 15-minute special programme of the event at 9.45 p.m. on 23rd November 1988 for its Asian listeners.

In 1990, the fair was organised at the time when the country continued to groan under the impact of bouts of violence triggered by the Mandal and Temple issues which pushed the general law and order situation to a new low in almost all the states. Large scale disturbance also cast dark shadows on the social fronts of the State. Frequent caste and communal clashes threatened to rip the society apart, eclipsed whatever development was made in different fields. The academic environment suffered most since the institutions remained closed for months in the wake of caste and communal tensions. By organising Patna Book Fair successfully on a massive scale which saw a few international participants at such a difficult time, the Guild diffused tension on social and communal fronts. It also restored academic environment in the State and re-instilled confidence amongst the masses in general. The fairground remained a hub of academic, social and cultural activities and gathered nearly 3 lacs visitors in a short duration of 12 days. People who used to remain indoors in the wake of Mandal and Temple issues came out in the open and graced the venue of the fair without any fear. This was by no means a mean achievement. The Patna Book Fair 1990 was conducted and concluded on a grand scale. Its success is doubly impressive considering the fact that its duration coincided with upheavals in the entire country on a massive scale, diesel crisis, communal disturbances etc. The Educational Guild of Bihar is perhaps the only body which ventured to hold Patna Book Fair despite all odds in 1990 to celebrate International Literacy Year—a global event which had scant impact on the country at the time the fair was held. The participants which suffered due to the uncertainty then prevailing also came as a landmark in the history of national book fairs as the event established a record in the number of participants which again is all the more impressive in view of the impediments that law and order problems across the country had put in our path. Where there had been just 116 stalls at the previous Patna Book Fair held in 1988, for the 1990 fair, we had 295 stalls which beats the previous best by no less than 180 or more. It may be added here that the 15th National Book Fair slated to be held at Jaipur then by National Book Trust, India was postponed twice. It may also be added that the 13th National Book Fair at Trivandrum had only 120 stalls and that the 14th National Book Fair organised by the NBT, whose record the Patna Book Fair broke, had a total of 212 stalls. Not only this, the Embassies of France and Germany also showed a keenness to participate. They would have done so had the conditions not been so adverse. From within the country we had participants from almost all the states. The successive two events of 1991 and 1992 surpassed its own previous record. Clearly the Patna Book Fair is strides ahead of any other fair in the country.

Apart from the main book fair, seminars and workshops on current topics of public interest, quiz contest, on-the-spot painting, essay and debate competition, elocution contest and cultural activities are also held under the project. Among other functions being organised under it, the two well-attended ones—opening and closing ceremonies—are graced by luminaries from almost every field. All these functions draw big crowds and come in for considerable appreciation. This year’s Fair—the fifth in the series—has been planned on a much larger scale than before and a lot of new features have been introduced. Patna Book Fair is a movement. This is not only a book fair but an event of great importance that brings laurels to our state and the people of Bihar feel proud of this. Any event in Bihar particularly of this stature which is visited by over 3 lakh people on their own deserves a word of praise. It is not an affair by or for any individual but an event of the people, for the people and by the people of Bihar in true sense to uplift the stature and prestige of the state. This event is nothing but a rejoinder to the educational and social programmes of this otherwise culturally black-holed state. The grand finale of the event would not be possible if we do not receive unstinted support and cooperation of the masses.

We are delighted to receive overwhelming public response and active support from members of the Advisory Committee. The co-operation we get from the development bureaucrats, intellectuals, media persons, patrons and genuine book lovers embolden us to carry on the show despite all odds. We express a deep sense of gratitude to all of them for their kind and generous support without which it is impossible to hold this show of such magnitude. The expenses that we incur in organising the event would constitute a whole chapter in its own right. It may be stressed that despite despatch of letters to almost every minister in charge of related portfolios and important personalities from the world of social welfare, we do not seem to evoke substantial financial support from any dependable quarter. The Central Government fails us by not even noticing our efforts. It fails us by ignoring to grant us either recognition or aid (whether in cash or kind). Whatever little help comes our way is made possible only on the basis of personal interest of the concerned officials heading such departments as Home, Police, Fire Brigade, PRDA, PRD etc. and all those who are genuinely interested in giving a facelift to this state. Here we would like to point out that the Department of Human Resource Development reimburses total expenses incurred over the book fairs organised by the National Book Trust. We could not have hoped for such largesse, but could not a healthy subsidy or a grant be given to us to make our burden lighter? This is a question which needs to be actively considered by the authorities concerned. It appears that we are working in isolation and against a barrage of obstacles for a thankless end. Nevertheless, we are not at all disheartened. Our well-wishers’ active support, love and affection combined with overwhelming public response give us enormous courage to make this biennial event a regular feature.

You will please appreciate that the Guild is yet in its infancy. It is in all humility with this background that we feel honoured to have placed our achievements before you. We do realise that much remains to be done to enhance the prestige of our state. We are sure that with the goodwill and co-operation hitherto accorded by all of you, that day is not far off when our aspirations find fulfilment in all spheres of our activities and the Guild becomes the fountain-head and beacon of light for the people of Bihar in particular.

There is no gainsaying the fact that such activities have not yet received the priority they deserve and any indulgence on our part is feared to result into an irreparable damage to contemporary Indian society which has still a very long way to go to catch up with the rest of the world. Hence we seek the indulgence of all our well wishers in such activities. Within our own nation, Bihar needs a very special attention and intimate care so that the vast human and material resources of the state could be so effectively employed as to put it back to the position of past glory. We harbour the feeling that you have the best appreciation of the situation and any greater elaboration is undesirable. Needless to mention that the event will not end in a whimper should your unflinching support continue to flow for us. Your active co-operation has made this event an ‘unforgettable one’ so much so that we have named it a ‘never before’ show this time. A claim by a publisher, distributor, book seller or an individual to the effect that Patna Book Fair has crystallized due to his or her efforts would be a misnomer. It would only amount to living in a fool’s paradise. To arrange an exhibition of own remainder titles in a dingy place may be the brainchild of a person or an individual but to hold such a massive national event requires regular thinking, continuous planning, suggestions from well wishers, participation of cross sections of the society and untiring efforts by a team of dedicated persons. Holding of such event in the absence of these elements would be the eighth wonder of the world. The concept of Patna Book Fair was developed way back in 1980 but it saw the day after an untiring effort of ten years.

We are extremely grateful to you for making it convenient to be amidst us at this year’s fair since the event is of the people, for the people and by the people of Bihar. Your presence is a great morale booster to the whole of Bihar. It is, therefore, in the fitness of the things that we solicit your active support on this occasion. We have been the beneficiary of your esteemed benevolence in the past and we acknowledge this with profound gratitude to one and all. Your contribution towards making this event an historical one will always rank at the vanguard of the list of people that we remain obliged to. We are extremely grateful to print and electronic media for their unflinching support without which the event is simply unthinkable in Bihar. We shall be failing in our duty if we do not express our sincere gratitude to Mileage Marketing Medias, sole authorised advertising agency, Shri S. Bhattacharya, authorised photographer, Shri A. K. Badal, authorised videographer, Dutta & Brothers, authorised plumber, Shri S. K. Sharma authorised electrician, Atul Carriers, authorised transporter as well as Shri Avinash Prasad, Shri Dilip Kumar Jha, Shri Kanchan Ghosh Dastidar, Shri Rohit Jain and Shri Sanjay Kumar for getting the most beautiful souvenir released within a record time of three days on this occasion. Shri J. K. Ghoshal of The Karmi Brinda did a commendable job to erect and decorate the stalls within 3 weeks despite all odds. Hats off to him. We are also grateful to State Bank of India, Post Office, Telecommunication Department, AIR, Doordarshan, Bihar Voluntary Health Association, Taru Mitra, SIS, District Administration and various unnamed institutions and persons who have offered their services for the event. We deeply regret our lapses, if any.

I on my behalf, on behalf of the Educational Guild of Bihar and also on behalf of the Organising Committee of Patna Book Fair welcome all our participants, visitors and guests at the farewell of the best book exhibition of Bihar, 1994. This is a ‘never before’ show of the 20th century. However, we would request you to assess us without any reservation whether we have lived up to your expectations. This year’s event was organised with the active support from Bihar Rajya Pustak Vyavasaye Sangh, Patna, Akhil Bharatiya Hindi Prakashak Sangh, Delhi, Federation of Education Publishers in India, Delhi, Federation of Indian Publishers, Delhi and Federation of Publishers and Booksellers’ Association in India, Delhi. We are simply overwhelmed for their support. We do not find appropriate words to express our deepest sense of gratitude to our Chief Guest Shri Laloo Prasad and Chairman Dr. Ranjan Prasad Yadav of Inaugural Ceremony. Shri J. L. Arya, Chairman of Reception Committee is the moving spirit behind the show. It is with his love and affection that we crossed all hurdles without any hitch. It is extremely difficult to express my deepest sense of gratitude to him. I do not know whether I would personally remain associated with this event in future. I am struggling within myself. The coming days would make my decision public. Nevertheless, it is my earnest desire that whenever this show takes place in Patna please be kind enough to accept our hospitalities. Please forgive us for all our lapses. It is practically impossible to come out clean by a person in such a massive event.

We are also indebted to Dr. Karn Singh, Shri Shankar Dayal Singh, Baba Nagarjun, Acharya Janki Ballabh Shastri, Lt. Gen. Shri S. K. Sinha, Shri Arsi Prasad Singh, Dr. Ramsharan Sharma, Shri Jabir Husain, Dr. Rambachan Roy, Shri A. K. Hangal, Dr. Jagannath Mishra, Dr. Ramchandra Purve, Shri Kailashpati Mishra, Shri Nitish Kumar, Shri Suraj Mandal, Prof. U. K. Singh, Prof. A. N. Singh, Shri Abdul Bari Siddiqui, Shri Vijaypal Jain, Shri Ramchandra Khan, Smt. Usha Kiran Khan and all other personalities who have honoured us by gracing the venue of Patna Book Fair with their presence. What should we say about Dr. Amar Kumar Singh, Director of Bihar Hindi Granth Academy? We simply fail to express our sentiments. Believe it or not, but it is a fact that the man short in physique but great in modesty steals the show of 1994 without whose support we don’t think we would have been able to do anything. He may not accept it but again this is a brief introduction of his greatness.

On this cold day of 1994 farewell we wish you a very happy, prosperous and warm 1995.

N. K. JHA
Secretary General
Educational Guild of Bihar
Secretary
Patna Book Fair
Patna