Reading habit: Kannada book exhibition inaugurated

An exhibition-cum-sale of Kannada books, organised by the Kannada Books Authority and Chamarajanagar district administration was inaugurated by MP R Dhruvanarayan, on Friday.

Speaking after the inauguration, he lauded the efforts of the authority in generating interest among the people to cultivate a reading habit. He said, even though the district had adequate resources, it was lagging behind in education. So, frequency of such exhibitions should be increased, he said.

Considering the Human Development Index, Chamarajanagar was placed 25th among the districts of the State in 2013. In 2015, the district is expected to secure the 18th spot. A blueprint is ready for the social and economic development of the district, he added.

Noting that the Centre has sanctioned an IIT for the State, he said, efforts are on to establish the IIT in Mysuru, which would help the district.

Chairman of the authority Banjagere Jayaprakash said, the publishers were not keen on participating in the exhibition in the district, fearing loss. However, some publishers have decided to participate despite aprehensions over sales of books. Even though 50 stalls were planned for the exhibition, we have been able to open only 35, he added.

He said, the authority was planning to set up book lover’s clubs in 430 colleges of the State to attract youth towards literature.