Composition-1
A visit to a
Book Fair
It is said, “The ink of a scholar is more sacred than the
blood of a martyr”. I perfectly agree with this view. I am a lover of books. I
spend a good deal of my leisure, reading books. Books give me immense joy and
satisfaction apart from knowledge.
It dispels my tension for some time, at least. That is
why; I always visit book fairs whenever I get a chance to do so. Last July, I
got the opportunity to visit the Ekushey book fair held at KEMUSAS compound.
The book fair was organised by the KEMUSAS at their own
compound, Sylhet from 10th July to 20th July, 2003. A strong barricade of tin
sheets and bamboos fencing were erected all round the field with a grand
entrance. Numerous colorful flags and decorative lights were put up all over
the field.
Within the enclosure there were numerous stalls put up by
different publishers and booksellers. Besides, the publishers from Sylhet city,
several leading publishers from other states too had set up their stalls. One
evening, I visited the fair along with my friend. We were surprised to see a
huge crowd at the fair.
The crowd, of course, mostly consisted of school and
college-going students. Nevertheless, there were a lot of children and general
public. We visited many stalls and went through many books. We saw thousands of
books exhibited on stands and on tables, arranged topic wise.
At the entrance to each stall there was a counter for
inquiry and payment. One could also get a catalogue of the books available in the
stall. I was interested in getting the latest arrival on Engineering Entrance
Examination, while my friend wanted to get some good books on computer
software. We were not disappointed and got what we wanted and that too at a
cheaper rate than what the ordinary bookstalls offer.
Now-a-days, book fairs are becoming quite common.
Besides, the commercial advantages, they also provide several benefits to the
general public. The greatest merit of book fairs is that it widens people’s
reading habits and love for books, leading to an improvement in literacy and
public education.
The commercial benefit of book fair is also significant.
It promotes large-scale sale of books within a short time, with minimum
expenditure. Generally, book fair exhibit hundreds of books on different topics
and therefore, one can get the book of one’s choice at a short time.
Another notable merit of book fairs is that during such
an occasion we can go through the content of the books quite leisurely while
that is not possible, if we think of purchasing a book from a bookstall.
Generally large discount and special concessions are offered to attract the
public and so one can purchase the book one wants at a cheaper rate.
Book fairs also provide the opportunity to see and go
through the latest publications of different authors. Nowadays, book fairs
organise various readings recitation and other such competitions. People also
get an opportunity to meet well- known writers as publishers try to arrange for
that.
Today, conducting book fairs is becoming a flourishing
business. Hundreds of books are sold out during such occasions. There is no
doubt that apart from the financial benefits that book fairs offer, they also
increase people’s habit of reading and help to spread knowledge at large. According
to C.E.M. Joad, an English Prose writer -“Books are the chief carriers of
civilization”.
Ekushey Book
Fair
Ekushey
Book Fair is a grand fair of books which is organised by the Bangla Academy
every year in February, the month of language movement. A lot of new books are
published on this occasion and people visit the fair to collect the books of
their favorite writers. The fair turns into a great festival for the book
lovers and cultural activists. They are inspired by their love of mother tongue
and express their emotions through poems and songs. This kind of fair is unique
in the whole world. With the combination of the newest books and the cultural
activities, Ekushey Book Fair becomes a remarkable event for the people of
Bangladesh. This is not simply a fair but also a medium to get in touch with
our culture and glorious history.
Ekushey
Book Fair starts on 1st February every year and continues, through
the whole month. Makeshift stalls of book are erected in rows around the venue.
Only the publishers who have already published sufficient number of books have
the privilege to get a stall. The size and location of the stall is fixed with
lottery. The stalls are made with bamboo structure, jute carpet and cloth. They
are adorned with colourful designs, with the name of the publishing house on
the top, which attracts the visitors.
`Books written by writers of old
as well as new generation are brought to the fair for exhibition and selling.
The books cater to the taste of all sorts of readers. There are books for the
old, youth, teenagers and even for the children. There are books of short
stories like novels, poems, dramas and comics. Other books are of research,
both in Bangla and English. Bangla Academy has its own stall in the fair a
makeshift one beside its permanent sales centre. Books of creative
The
fair is always full of people and it becomes excessively crowded during
holidays. The fair remains open from morning till night during Fridays, when
family members together with their children visit the fair. The first part of
Friday isopen only for Children, who are accompanied by their guardians. During
this time children books make a good sale. Though there are other programmes on
the day around the city, the book fair becomes the main attraction.
Books
are the main attraction in the fair but not the only attraction. Many cultural
activities, like poetry and music, are held on the Bangla Academy stage, where
traditions of the nation are highlighted. Baul and other folk songs are
presented to the amusement of the gathering. Discussions on literature and
culture are also held throughout the month of February. Famous writers and
intellectuals deliver lectures to enlighten the audience. In one stage
programme, Ekushey Padaks are handed over to recipients amid the presence of
the top intellectuals of the country.
Some
food stalls are set up in the fair premises. People take different kinds of
fast food like chatpati, phuchka, singara and moglai there. Tea,
coffee and soft drinks are also available. Outside the main centre of book
stalls, many vendors gather in the adjoining areas and sell their products
including bangles, handicrafts and other fancy goods. Various kinds of toys for
children are also sold there. On the road outside Bangla Academy, pirated copies
of books are found to be sold in cheap price.
Ekushey
Book Fair has a special place in the heart of the young generation. It is
always an attractive place for them. They rush there for knowledge and adda.
Going to the book fair with family and friends is like an adventure for the
young people. Sometimes young pairs come here to present their beloved the
books of their taste, making their emotion more intense. They move around the
stalls with apparently endless talking.
In the
Ekushey Book Fair, there is a particular location for little magazines. All
kinds of little magazines are sold here. The little mag enthusiasts gather here
and gossip among them. The young poets also frequent the place and debate among
them on the latest forms of poetry. Elsewhere there is a spot called ‘Lekhok
Kunja’ where the writers sit and talk to the readers. Newly arrived books are
often unwrapped here amid huge claps. As soon as a new book arrives, it is
announced with mike from the information booth of Bangla Academy.
Book
fair is the mark of glory for a civilized and educated nation Bangladesh is a
developing country but it has that glory. It organizes Ekushey Book Fair every
year to commemorate the contribution of the golden sons of the soil who laid
down their lives for their mother tongue, which ultimately culminated in the
independence of Bangladesh. In the month of February the whole nation wakes up
to the glory of Ekushey Book Fair. Bangla Academy square is animated with the
movement of book lovers.
Uses of Computer in Life
Introduction :
A
computer is an electronic device that executes certain actions through
user-based commands. It is made up of two parts - hardware and software. The
computer processes input through input devices like the mouse and keyboard. The
computer displays output through output devices like a monitor and printer. The
size of a computer varies considerably from small personal computers (like
laptops, minicomputers, and notebook laptops), to gigantic supercomputers which
require an entire building to host them. The speed also has a very large range.
Computers have become indispensable in today's world; let's take a look at why
we're so dependable on them.
Word Processing :
A Word Processing software automatically corrects spelling and grammatical mistakes. If content needs to be replicated, there are options known as 'copy' and 'paste' that allow you to do this without re-typing the content. You can print documents and make several copies too. It is easier to read a word-processed document than a handwritten one, making it effectual for paperwork. You can add images to your document as well, provided by certain features on word processors.
Internet :
It is a network that connects computers worldwide, to an information source that is free to all, at a minimal fee per month from one's service provider. You can browse through much more information than you could do in a library. That is because computers can store enormous amounts of information. You also have very fast and convenient access to information. Through 'email', you can communicate with a person sitting thousands of miles away, within a few seconds. Chat software applications enable one to speak to another person in real time. Video conferencing tools are becoming readily available to the common man, making it a convenient feature for one-on-one meetings.
Digital Video or Audio Composition :
Audio or video composition and editing have been made much easier by computers. It no longer costs thousands of dollars in equipment, to compose music or make a film. Graphic engineers can use computers to generate short or full-length films or even create 3D models. Anybody owning a computer can now enter the field of media production. Special effects in science fiction and action movies are created using computers. Designers of all kinds from the media industry, are finding innovative ways of putting the internet to use.
Desktop Publishing :
With desktop publishing, you can create page layouts for entire books on your personal computer. Aspiring writers and the like, can take advantage of this very resourceful feature.
Medicine :
You can diagnose diseases. You can learn about studies related to them. Certain software can be used in 'magnetic resonance imaging', to examine the internal organs of the human body. Software is used for performing surgery too. Computers are used to store valuable patient data, and other information that doctors need private access to.
Mathematical Calculations :
Thanks to computers, which have computing speeds of over a million calculations per second, we can perform the biggest of mathematical calculations, without having to worry if the result is incorrect, since computers are designed to produce accurate results.
Banks :
All financial transactions are done by a computer software. It provides security, speed, and convenience. Valuable customer information is stored, and can be retrieved whenever an employee at the bank wishes to access or verify certain facts.
Travel :
One can book air tickets or railway tickets using the internet, and make hotel reservations online. All sorts of travel packages are available to customers, including a variety of websites that offer innumerable options that one can choose from, while highlighting certain factors like budget, tour guide assistance, visa know-how, and the like.
Telecommunications :
Software is widely used here to help keep lines of communication constantly buzzing. Also, all mobile phones have software embedded in them, making it easier to handle certain tasks, as well as multitask, when it comes to everyday chores and responsibilities. Even online games are accessible, where two players from different parts of the world, can compete and interact merely through the power of the internet.
Defense :
There is software embedded in almost every weapon, that requires control by an authoritative entity. Software is also used in controlling flight and targeting, in ballistic missiles. Software is used to control access to atomic bombs, as well as track various activity that coincides with terrorist-based acts, including areas of civilian safety.
E-Learning :
Instead of studying from textbooks, computers make it easier to learn from an E-learning software. These are available electronically online, and are accessible either freely or through a course that one pays for - much like what is taught in any college/university.
Examinations :
You can give online exams and get instant results. You can also check your examination results online, after professors or examiners update a university's network.
Business :
Shops and supermarkets use computer software that calculates a customer's bills, as well as keeps track of how much is made monthly. Taxes can be calculated and paid online too. Accounting is done using computers, where large amounts of data are fed into a system. One can predict future trends of a business using artificial intelligence software. Software is used in major stock markets to keep track of the fall and rise of stock rises. One can even trade stocks online. There are fully automated factories running on software, to help keep track of the business without missing out on important updates.
Certificates :
Different types of certificates can be generated. It is very easy to create and change layouts, using design software that can help one achieve this.
ATM Machines :
The computer software authenticates the user through his/her credit/debit card, before it dispenses cash.
News :
There are many websites through which you can read the latest news, as well as access old articles and videos related to a past event.
University Websites :
There are many alumni websites through which you can regain contact with long-lost classmates, since a database of students' information is stored away in a computer.
Electronics :
Electronic gadgets run with the help of computers. There are various software which are used to increase the efficiency of these devices. Timers, self-controlled switches - these ensure that the machines ask for minimum human effort.
Planning and Scheduling :
Software can be used to store contact information, generate plans, schedule appointments, and meet deadlines.
Greeting Cards :
Anyone can send and receive greeting cards using all sorts themes for various occasions, available through numerous websites; these can either be free of cost, or the sort that requires payment.
Sports :
Software is used for making umpiring decisions. There is a simulation software that can be used by a sportsperson to practice his skills. Computers are also able to identify flaws in certain techniques that players follow, as part of sport.
Airplanes :
Pilots train using software, which simulates a flight to help aircraft both big and small, to take off and land.
Weather analysis :
Supercomputers are used to analyze and predict weather conditions, and all other sorts of other phenomena.
Word Processing :
A Word Processing software automatically corrects spelling and grammatical mistakes. If content needs to be replicated, there are options known as 'copy' and 'paste' that allow you to do this without re-typing the content. You can print documents and make several copies too. It is easier to read a word-processed document than a handwritten one, making it effectual for paperwork. You can add images to your document as well, provided by certain features on word processors.
Internet :
It is a network that connects computers worldwide, to an information source that is free to all, at a minimal fee per month from one's service provider. You can browse through much more information than you could do in a library. That is because computers can store enormous amounts of information. You also have very fast and convenient access to information. Through 'email', you can communicate with a person sitting thousands of miles away, within a few seconds. Chat software applications enable one to speak to another person in real time. Video conferencing tools are becoming readily available to the common man, making it a convenient feature for one-on-one meetings.
Digital Video or Audio Composition :
Audio or video composition and editing have been made much easier by computers. It no longer costs thousands of dollars in equipment, to compose music or make a film. Graphic engineers can use computers to generate short or full-length films or even create 3D models. Anybody owning a computer can now enter the field of media production. Special effects in science fiction and action movies are created using computers. Designers of all kinds from the media industry, are finding innovative ways of putting the internet to use.
Desktop Publishing :
With desktop publishing, you can create page layouts for entire books on your personal computer. Aspiring writers and the like, can take advantage of this very resourceful feature.
Medicine :
You can diagnose diseases. You can learn about studies related to them. Certain software can be used in 'magnetic resonance imaging', to examine the internal organs of the human body. Software is used for performing surgery too. Computers are used to store valuable patient data, and other information that doctors need private access to.
Mathematical Calculations :
Thanks to computers, which have computing speeds of over a million calculations per second, we can perform the biggest of mathematical calculations, without having to worry if the result is incorrect, since computers are designed to produce accurate results.
Banks :
All financial transactions are done by a computer software. It provides security, speed, and convenience. Valuable customer information is stored, and can be retrieved whenever an employee at the bank wishes to access or verify certain facts.
Travel :
One can book air tickets or railway tickets using the internet, and make hotel reservations online. All sorts of travel packages are available to customers, including a variety of websites that offer innumerable options that one can choose from, while highlighting certain factors like budget, tour guide assistance, visa know-how, and the like.
Telecommunications :
Software is widely used here to help keep lines of communication constantly buzzing. Also, all mobile phones have software embedded in them, making it easier to handle certain tasks, as well as multitask, when it comes to everyday chores and responsibilities. Even online games are accessible, where two players from different parts of the world, can compete and interact merely through the power of the internet.
Defense :
There is software embedded in almost every weapon, that requires control by an authoritative entity. Software is also used in controlling flight and targeting, in ballistic missiles. Software is used to control access to atomic bombs, as well as track various activity that coincides with terrorist-based acts, including areas of civilian safety.
E-Learning :
Instead of studying from textbooks, computers make it easier to learn from an E-learning software. These are available electronically online, and are accessible either freely or through a course that one pays for - much like what is taught in any college/university.
Examinations :
You can give online exams and get instant results. You can also check your examination results online, after professors or examiners update a university's network.
Business :
Shops and supermarkets use computer software that calculates a customer's bills, as well as keeps track of how much is made monthly. Taxes can be calculated and paid online too. Accounting is done using computers, where large amounts of data are fed into a system. One can predict future trends of a business using artificial intelligence software. Software is used in major stock markets to keep track of the fall and rise of stock rises. One can even trade stocks online. There are fully automated factories running on software, to help keep track of the business without missing out on important updates.
Certificates :
Different types of certificates can be generated. It is very easy to create and change layouts, using design software that can help one achieve this.
ATM Machines :
The computer software authenticates the user through his/her credit/debit card, before it dispenses cash.
News :
There are many websites through which you can read the latest news, as well as access old articles and videos related to a past event.
University Websites :
There are many alumni websites through which you can regain contact with long-lost classmates, since a database of students' information is stored away in a computer.
Electronics :
Electronic gadgets run with the help of computers. There are various software which are used to increase the efficiency of these devices. Timers, self-controlled switches - these ensure that the machines ask for minimum human effort.
Planning and Scheduling :
Software can be used to store contact information, generate plans, schedule appointments, and meet deadlines.
Greeting Cards :
Anyone can send and receive greeting cards using all sorts themes for various occasions, available through numerous websites; these can either be free of cost, or the sort that requires payment.
Sports :
Software is used for making umpiring decisions. There is a simulation software that can be used by a sportsperson to practice his skills. Computers are also able to identify flaws in certain techniques that players follow, as part of sport.
Airplanes :
Pilots train using software, which simulates a flight to help aircraft both big and small, to take off and land.
Weather analysis :
Supercomputers are used to analyze and predict weather conditions, and all other sorts of other phenomena.
Conclusion :
Computers have leapfrogged the human race into another league. It is used in each and every aspect of human life. They have spearhead the human quest of eradicating social problems like illiteracy and poverty. It is difficult to imagine a world bereft of computers. This revolutionary technology is indeed a boon to us all.
Computers have leapfrogged the human race into another league. It is used in each and every aspect of human life. They have spearhead the human quest of eradicating social problems like illiteracy and poverty. It is difficult to imagine a world bereft of computers. This revolutionary technology is indeed a boon to us all.
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