BANGALORE: With over 130 stalls offering books in several languages, the 10-day Karnataka Book Fair-2014 began at Freedom Park on Friday.
Organised by Happy Club Events in association with the Kannada Book Authority, the fair was inaugurated by poets Dr Siddalingaiah and Prof Doddarange Gowda.
During the inauguration, Dr Siddalingaiah said public libraries must continue to buy books to help publishers and readers. He also urged college principals to stop buying books through e-tenders.
“Because of e-tendering, even the selection of the books is left to the tenderer. The e-tendering process for purchasing books for college libraries must be stopped and principals need to handpick the books,” Siddalingaiah added.
The lean audience at the inaugural found a mention in the dignitaries’ speech. “I feel bad seeing the empty seats here. If it was an event organised to promote western dance or a rock show, there would be more audience,” said Gowda.
The organisers are expecting around 10,000 visitors at the fair, which will remain open from 10 am to 8 pm over the next 10 days.
Reacting to Nityotsava Kavi Prof K S Nisar Ahmed statement about legalising prostitution, Dr Siddalingaiah said, “Legalising prostitution will not stop rapes in society. To curb incidents like rapes and attacks on women, we need to strengthen our laws”.