'Mantriji Kahin' a big draw at book fair

PATNA: Bihar will soon get toilets, cafeteria and refreshment rooms along highways across the state. Minister of tourism Sunil Kumar Pintu said this while speaking at an interactive programme, `Mantriji Kahin’, organised at the Patna Book Fair on Friday.
He said his ministry was in talks with road construction minister Nand Kishore Yadav for the proposal.“It will be extremely useful for travellers and tourists,” he said.
He stressed the need to promote tourism in Bihar. “The sector has the potential to improve gross domestic product of the state. Now with a turnaround in the image of the state, the way is clear for promotion of tourism,” he said.
Minister of art and culture and youth affairs Sukhda Pandey solicited written suggestions from the audience for promoting art and culture in Bihar. “We are working with well-made plans, and vision. However, public suggestions will enable us to broaden our horizon,” she said.
Rural development minister Nitish Mishra and HRD minister P K Sahi, who were also scheduled to participate in the programme, failed to do so.
The interactive session with ministers attracted hundreds of visitors who also put questions to the ministers.
Earlier, Sunil Kumar Pintu released a book `Jain Dharma Ke Chaubis Tirthankar’, written by Dhrub Kumar.
On the other hand, a series of cultural events were organised at the book fair on Friday. The day started with an elocution in English which saw the enthusiastic participation of dozens of students.
A debate in Hindi and a seminar on different career choices were attended by several school and college students. Cultural programmes by May Flower School students enthralled the visitors. In `Parisamvad’, experts discussed several social issues. A public debate on honour killing and a `kavi sammelan’ were also attended by a large number of visitors.
A group dance and a programme, Bookworm, also drew students from different schools and colleges. Street corner plays were also organised.