Message against CAA from Kolkata Book Fair podium

KOLKATA: The 44th International Kolkata Book Fair was inaugurated at Salt Lake Central Park fair ground on Tuesday as Russian ambassador to India Kudashev Nikolay Rishatovich struck the gavel 44 times, with chief minister Mamata Banerjee standing beside him. Russia is this year’s theme country at the fair.
Thirteen books written by Banerjee—six in Bengali, six in English and one in Urdu—were released on the occasion, taking the total books by the CM released at the fair to 101.One of the six new books is on the NRC and CAA issue, titled, ‘No CAA, No NRC in India’. “We have such an emotional attachment with this book fair. There is no bigger place than the Kolkata book fair to witness unity in diversity,” the CM said.
Consul-general of Russia in Kolkata Alexey Idamkin, other Russian dignitaries, several cabinet ministers, KMC mayor Firhad Hakim and Bidhannagar mayor Krishna Chakraborty were also present. Banerjee said she had had discussions with the Russian delegation about the coming business summit and that a team from Bengal would also visit Russia soon.
Thanking the Publisher and Booksellers Guild, organisers of the fair, for nominating Russia as the theme country, Rishatovich said, “I thank you for reprinting so many Russian books. Russian literature in Kolkata makes for a beautiful combination.” Four books translated from Russian to Bengali will be released at the fair.
Essayist Nrisingha Prasad Bhaduri was bestowed with the CESC Srishti Samman. “It is a special occasion for me to receive this award from the CM,” Bhaduri said.