Kannada Book Authority will be conducting a four-day book fair from January 3 to 6, 2013 in Ravindra Kalakshetra premises. Many publishers, authors and poets from different parts of the state are coming under one roof to exhibit their works. Book lovers can choose from a wide range of books which includes books on grammar, fiction, spirituality and others.
Dr Siddalingaiah, the chairperson of the Kannada Book Authority spoke about the infrastructure involved to conduct a book fair and the kinds of books that will be available in the fair. In this book fair, the books will be sold at discounted rates. “Hence we have named the fair as the Vishesha Riyayithi Kannada Pusthaka Marata Mela. Discount of over 15 to 20 per cent will be given on each book.” Only Kannada books are available in this exhibition.
The Authority has been conducting the book fair for the last four years and has received good response from the book lovers. “Over one lakh books are exhibited and sold every year.
The funds required to conduct this book fair comes up to ` 1 crore,” said Siddalingaiah. Publishers mostly from North Karnataka and Mysore come in large number to exhibit their works. Besides, the authority also honours a well known writer for his/her contribution to the literary world.
Over 70-100 stalls will be installed in the premises. However, those who put up the stalls here have to pay a nominal price of ` 250 per day.
According to Siddalingaiah, the students and researchers can make use of this exhibition extensively for their research. The books include the University Publications, Academic Publication, books on Kannada Culture and others. “This is an endeavour to impart Kannada language and culture through literature,” he concluded.