Books meet music on fair's 3rd day in Ahmedabad

The first Ahmedabad National Book Fair has garnered huge attention and even on its third day the fair witnessed a 7,890-strong crowd throng the grounds. Two programmes were showcased simultaneous to promote the land's culture where two different facets of the state were shown. Gujarati music was also celebrated with five prominent singers - Nayan Pancholi, Naynesh Jani, Himali, Sanjay Ojha and Shyamal Saumil enthralled the audience with their melodious numbers.

Music may seem a little bizarre in a book fair. But, explains Mitesh B Shah that since the programme was partnered by Gujarat Sahitya, the intention was always to promote the culture, "its all about promoting the culture of Gujarat. All these events are special attractions, which are meant to draw in more people."

Alongside the sugam sangeet, the mini auditorium was celebrating Sindhi language. Twenty poets from three generations recited their poetry in front of 150 people.  Dr Jethu Lalwani, co-ordinator of the whole programme says that it was an event meant to promote the 'stateless' language, "Since a huge population of our community can be found in this state, and as we are a stateless minority language, this programme is an attempt to encourage the youngsters to use/speak this language."

The importance of the kavi semalan is another important thing as Dr Lalwani explains that, since many youngsters have problem with the language, it would have been foolish to organise a literary event which required deep knowledge of history etc. "And more over poetry is lyrical and much easier to understand."