Kolkata Book Fair

Points: Fair, a feast of books — Example of a particular fair — Helps national feeling.

             A book fair is like a feast of books. To see so many books and books of so many varieties at a time is a wonderful experience.
Everybody will not buy every book. But the kind of books we are interested in can be seen in plenty only in the fair. One can compare here the books by different publishers. Maps, paperbacks, art books, reference books, children’s books, technical books, dictionaries and encyclopedias — everything is before us. All stalls are open for everybody. The book fair is an appetizer for further reading. It is a mirror of modern knowledge explosion.
             Kolkata Book Fair is a huge thing. It has grown so much in size and quality that we may call it both national and international. Most of the important publishers of India participate in it. Many renowned publishers from abroad also come here.
             Kolkata Book Fair is a truly national fair. Books written in different Indian languages, and also Indian books either translated into English or into other Indian languages, are displayed here. Books on the history, geography and culture of the different parts of India are available in the book fair. Thousands of people visit the fair; buy books and place orders for more books. They are imbued with the idea of a big family of people called Indians.

The Handicapped and their Problems

Points: Different kinds of the handicapped — They should be usefully employed In society — Philanthropic organizations for them.

             The handicapped or disabled persons are our own people. We come across lots of persons who are born with defective limbs or organs. There are others, who have lost limbs or organs as after effects of diseases like smallpox, typhoid, poliomyelitis, leprosy etc. Others are victims of accidents like road accidents, bomb explosions, fire burns, and so on.
             We forget that the handicapped may not be perfect of limbs, but can be usefully employed in various crafts and occupations. A man who is blind may develop talent for music. The world-famous blind composer Beethoven is a good instance. We should not just pity the handicapped, but help them to be self-helping. We should rehabilitate them in society where they can live with dignity. We can devise suitable works for them and give them special training. It is not charity but fellow-feeling which is needed.
             There are some philanthropic organizations that are doing good works for the handicapped. Artificial limbs are being manufactured for those who need them. Special training centers have also been opened where the disabled get proper training for various kinds of occupation. Above all, our attitude to the handicapped should be changed. As human beings it is our duty to help those who need our help.