BOOK FAIR

 

Since 2018, North Lakhimpur College Publication has been organizing an annual book fair on the college campus. Initiated under the guidance and planning of Dr. Arabinda Rajkhowa, the coordinator, the first book fair began as a pilot project. However, owing to its immense success, it has become a much-anticipated event in the region. What sets this book fair apart is its focus on inspiring the younger generation to develop a reading habit, rather than on commercial gains. Another unique aspect is that students are directly involved in organizing and even selling books at the fair. Books are sourced from almost all major publishers in Assam, and students act as distributors on behalf of these publishers. A 20% discount is offered on all books for students. Alongside the book fair, events like literary discussions, poetry sessions, writers’ meets, competitions, and musical performances are also organized. Each evening, one of the college hostels presents a cultural programme.


1st North Lakhimpur College Book Fair (20–22 September, 2018):
Started with minimal arrangements, this first edition proved unexpectedly successful. Encouraged by the response, Dr. Rajkhowa decided to continue the fair annually. Events such as "Kitap aru Alap" (Books and Conversations), lectures, and competitions were held. No external guests were invited.
2nd Fair (14–17 October, 2019):
Numerous activities were organized, including book quizzes, lectures, and essay competitions for students. Inter-departmental group discussions and film screenings were also held.
3rd Fair (27 January – 6 February, 2021):
Daily events included interactive sessions and writers’ meets. Various competitions were conducted among students. Notable authors who participated included Nilim Kumar, Anuradha Sharma Pujari, Mridul Sarma, Pranay Phukan, Arindam Borkotoky, Saumyadeep Datta, and Dr. Anil Saikia.

 

4th Fair (21–28 March, 2022):
This edition was significantly larger. Daily competitions and literary events took place. Several departments hosted discussion circles. Renowned poet Jiban Narah inaugurated the fair, with Dr. Deep Saikia, Principal of Digboi College, as guest of honour. Guests in various sessions included Dr. Bhaskarjyoti Sharma, Dhanada Devi, Pranay Phukan, and Ankur Ranjan Phukan. State-level quiz and debate competitions were introduced. Under the leadership of the Students' Union, students also ran food stalls.

5th Fair (27–30 December, 2022):
Held in conjunction with the Assam College Teachers' Association conference, it featured daily writers’ meets and poetry gatherings.
6th Fair (13–16 October, 2023):
Inaugurated by noted academician Dr. Anjan Kumar Ozah, this edition featured daily literary programmes. District-level quizzes and speech competitions were conducted for school students. Various departments and hostels presented cultural and intellectual events. A national seminar on “The Life and Literary Works of Birendra Kumar Bhattacharyya” was organized. Distinguished participants included Dr. Makbul Islam, Basudev Das, Prof. Pallavi Deka Buzarboruah, Juri Bora Borgohain, Lakhinandan Borgohain, Kaushik Kishalaya, Rajib Borah, and Sankar Patowary.
7th Fair (18–25 March, 2025):
Inaugurated by celebrated writer Yeshe Dorje Thongshi from Arunachal Pradesh, this was the grandest edition yet, with 15 stalls and numerous books. Events were held simultaneously across open stages, auditoriums, conference halls, and digital classrooms. Students managed the stalls and programmes. As in previous years, Dr. Arabinda Rajkhowa served as the chief coordinator. Exhibitions were also featured, such as one on vintage items by Kshirod Kumar Goswami of Golaghat and a gramophone record exhibition by Umananda Duwara of Moran. A national seminar on The History of Assamese Books was held, alongside writers' meets, youth meets, literary journal editors’ meets, journalists’ conferences, history conventions, translation workshops, poetry meets, and eco-literature symposiums. All India Radio, Dibrugarh, also broadcasted events from the fair. Notable participants included Ranjit Kumar Dev Goswami, Aradhana Patangiya Goswami, Prasanta Sagar Changmai, Saumyadeep Datta, Ananta Hazarika, Ismail Hossain, Dr. Anjan Kumar Ozah, Pallavi Deka Buzarboruah, Arindam Sarmah, and Nabin Buragohain.
   

 


North Lakhimpur College Publication has also participated in several state-level book fairs held in Lakhimpur district, thus playing an important social role beyond academics.

Notably, the Government of Assam declared the year 2025 as the Year of the Book. In line with this, North Lakhimpur College Publication organized a significant number of school-level book fairs, which had a profoundly positive impact on children and adolescents.

List of Schools Where Book Fairs Were Held in 2025:

  1. Pub Phulbari High School – 6 April
  2. Kananadi High School – 13–14 June
  3. Brahmaputra Valley Academy – 16–17 June
  4. Genius Academy – 18–19 June
  5. Kanta Khanikar High School – 20 June
  6. Dhakuakhana Collegiate Higher Secondary School – 18 June
  7. Dhakuakhana Girls' Dr. School – 13–14 June
  8. Town Amkatiya L.P. School – 16–17 June
  9. West Dhakuakhana Higher Secondary School – 20 June
  10. Laluk Higher Secondary School – 19–21 June
  11. Nowboicha Sankardev Shishu Vidya Niketan – 13–15 June
  12. Lakhimpur Girls’ Higher Secondary School – 10–14 June
  13. P.M. Shri North Lakhimpur Govt. Higher Secondary School – 11 June
  14. Kadam Jatiya Vidyalaya – 13 June
  15. Brilliant Academy, Lakhimpur – 16–17 June
  16. Nowboicha Senior Secondary School – 13–16 June
  17. Nowboicha High School – 19–21 June
  18. Sankardev Shishu Vidya Niketan, Bihpuria – 13–15 June
  19. Bihpuria College – 16–17 June
  20. Sankardev Shishu Vidya Niketan, Pathalipahar – 18–19 June