Children lap up first day’s teachings at fair workshop

Book lovers in the city had their heart's fill on the first day of Ahmedabad National Book fair itself. With variety of literary events held on the first day, the fair attracted thousands of citizens from across the city.

A workshop on 'How to write a story' was conducted in the afternoon for the city's children by Dr Varsha Das which saw many students keenly participating with enthusiasm palpable on their young faces. Speaking to DNA, deputy municipal commissioner, SK Langa stated, "Through the workshop, we aim at providing an equal platform for children from private and municipal schools to learn together and get motivated to imagine stories."

Interestingly, the book fair will be an annual event in the city from now on. During the seven days, there will be 69 eminent authors, poets and writers who will participate in panel discussions, writer's meet and interactive sessions.

Few attractions in the fair include stall of spiritual books of 'Happy Science' - a spiritual organization from Japan.

This is the first time that the organization is selling books in Gujarat. Speaking to DNA, sales and marketing manager of Happy Science, Masa Ikeda said, "We provide books on philosophies of Buddhism but the whole idea is to unite all religions. This is the first time that we are selling books in Gujarat for which we have also translated books in Gujarati language.

The second day's attractions include interactive session and a discussion on 'Translation from and into Gujarati-Possibilities' to be held from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm at the mini auditorium.