Shri Modi inaugurates 2nd Ahmedabad National Book Fair

"CM releases book, ‘Kutch: A Pictorial Journey’ on the occasion"

"CM calls for popularizing books and speaks on how technology can make a difference in that regard"

On the evening of Tuesday 30^th April 2013 Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated 2^nd Ahmedabad National Book Fair at the Gujarat University Convention Centre in Ahmedabad. In his speech Shri Modi called for the popularizing of reading and spoke at length about how technology can make a major difference in popularizing books. The Chief Minister spoke about how the book fair represents a collective effort and strength to make books more popular. The Chief Minister also released a book ‘Kutch: A Pictorial Journey’ written by Mr. Dinesh Kumble, who is the brother of well-known cricket player Mr. Anil Kumble.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that this book fair was inspired by the 150^th birth anniversary of Sayaji Rao Gaekwad and the success of Vanche Gujarat. Shri Modi pointed out that the success of the first National Book Fair, held last year was very big. “This year, two good events are associated with this book fair. The first is the 125^th birth anniversary of Shri Kanhaiya Lal Munshi and the second is the birth centenary of Shri Rajendra Shah ji,” the Chief Minister shared.

Speaking about the book fair this time, Shri Modi said that this time there is a counter to donate books at the book fair. Shri Modi expressed confidence that people will donate books and stated, “This way, books can reach sections of society where books have not reached. This is not about a budgetary allocation but about our values and culture.”

Shri Modi talked at length on the use of technology in popularizing books. He affirmed, “Whole libraries will be available at the click of a mouse and the importance of e-books is increasing. Every publisher gives a digital book too. This has increased the reach.” He added that the Gujarat Government had taken the initiative of e-libraries in the Bar Association. He also gave the example of how the Panchtantra series became very popular through the invigoration of technology. “Through technology, we are trying to spread books to every house,” the Chief Minister shared. He also avowed that every person has had times when what he or she read in books has helped them. Shri Modi also stated that with the use of technology comes a challenge. “Earlier, people studied with books, then guides came, then people read from suggestions,” and added, “I see a new challenge with technology. Go to Google Guru and you will get everything. Then one does not go into details.”

Speaking on making books more popular among the people of Gujarat Shri Modi said, “We want to make Lakshmi Pujaris to Pujaris of Saraswati as well. If there is Saraswati ji, Lakshmi ji does not go away.” He urged people to identify a place in their homes as a Granth Mandir and further said that such is the magnetic power of books that if it is at home, one will feel like seeing it.

Shri Modi called for more books to be published on the tourism of Gujarat and also called for the spreading of books written in one language into other languages. Talking about making books more popular among children, Shri Modi pointed, “In a time when children are going towards video games, I ask software professionals, can we have video games that take children to books through these games?” He also strongly urged children to come to the book fair and visit the kiosks.

He congratulated the authors and especially the new authors. Referring to the new authors Shri Modi declared, “I tell all the new writers, go nowhere these seven days. Perhaps you can write a book on this too.” He opined that both the reader and the writer inspire each other and hoped this grew with this book fair. He shared that more than the stage it is the words of the reader that are more priceless for the writer.

The programme was attended by eminent Gujarati litterateur Shri Bhagawati Kumar Sharma. Shri Modi congratulated Shri Sharma and lauded him for his contribution to literature. Newly elected Ahmedabad Mayor Smt. Minakshiben Patel spoke on the occasion. Shri MA Sikandar, Director of National Book Trust and Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Shri Guruprasad Mohapatra were present on the occasion.

PM Narendra Modi took a comprehensive review to ensure adequate medical grade oxygen supply in the country. Inputs from ministries like Health, DPIIT, Steel, Road Transport, etc were also shared with the PM. PM stressed that it is important to ensure synergy across ministries & state governments.

PM Modi also took a detailed review of current situation of oxygen supply and projected use in the coming 15 days across 12 high burden states (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan). An overview of district level situation in these states was presented to the PM.

PM was informed that the Centre and States are in regular contact and estimates for projected demand have been shared with states as on 20th April, 25th April & 30th April. Accordingly, 4,880 MT, 5,619 MT and 6,593 MT have been allocated to these 12 states for meeting their projected demand as on 20th April, 25th April and 30th April, respectively.

PM was briefed about production capacity in the country to meet the rising demand. PM suggested to increase oxygen production as per capacity of each plant. It was discussed that surplus stocks of oxygen supply in steel plants are being offered from medical use.

PM urged officials to ensure seamless and free movement of tankers carrying oxygen throughout the country. The Government has exempted all interstate movement of oxygen tankers from registration of permits to enable easier movement. PM was informed that States and transporters have been asked to ensure tankers move round the clock with drivers working in shifts to ensure faster turnaround and adequate capacity to meet the surge in demand. Cylinder filling plants will also be permitted 24 hour working with necessary safeguards. The Government is allowing Industrial cylinders to be used for medical oxygen after due purging. Similarly nitrogen and argon tankers will be automatically allowed to be converted to oxygen tankers to overcome the potential shortage of tankers.

Officers also briefed the PM about the efforts being made to import medical grade oxygen.

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