The Talcher Book Fair attracted renowned publishers and book sellers from across the country which was successfully organised from February 26 to March 5 at the South Balanda Durga Puja field.
Pallahara MlA and Angul District Planning Committee Chairperson Mahesh Sahu inaugurated it. The chief speaker of the valedictory function was Dr Ajay Kumar Mishra, lecturer of SVM College, Jagatsingpur.
Talcher Working Journalists Association president BalaramPati and general secretary Dhiramohan Ray were present.
The eight-day event was marked by intellectual discussions, cultural functions and competitions and quiz programmes.
Eminent personalities who came on different days included Dr Birendra Panda, Dr Naresh Pani, Biranchi Samal, Madanmohan Mohanty, Angul ADM Srinibas Behera, educationist Upendra Parida, Sambit Mishra, leader Kharabel Swain and scribe Dilip Satapathy etc.
More than 90 publishers and book sellers of State and national repute participated, including the National Book Trust India, Kendriya Sahitya Akademi, Sadashiv Book World, Manoj Das Publication, Prachi Publication, Gurujee Prakashan. There were also 60 handicraft stalls from different parts of the States. Quiz master Chandrabijayee Mishra conducted quiz. Several cultural troops of the locality performed each evening.
The South Balanda Durga Puja Committee, members of Jibanjyoti Club, local police, security guards of MCl and local market committee supported.