Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, May 21:

The eighth edition of country’s largest education-cum-book fair ‘8th Nepal Education and Book Fair 2004’ is set to open today at Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Hall, Kathmandu. Organised by Global Exposition and Management Services Pvt Ltd in cooperation with the National Booksellers and Publisher Association of Nepal, the eight-day long event expects to lure over 65,000 visitors. It will run till May 29. Being a pioneer in promoting education, career and publications under a single roof, the fair has been taking place continuously since 1997. Unlike most other events, NE & BF is being held every year since its inception in 1997 and has grown steadily over the past years.

“Past seven events were very fruitful and motivating for exhibitors and participants as well. Overwhelming responses from the general public is the basis that has given continuity to this event,” says Yogesh Chhetri of GEMS. Education, career and publications should go hand in hand. Keeping in mind the interests of all, a common platform to fulfil the needs of the above had to be created. Thus, the event was born to bring together all concerned stakeholders, according to the organisers. The event has been divided in two section -- the Education and Career Section in hall ‘A’ and the book fair at hall ‘B’. The education and career fair will last till May 25, while the book fair will continue till May 29. Since its inception, the event has grown steadily in all aspects including number of visitors, exhibitors, participants and sales turnover. A fair that began with 47 stall in 1997, expects to cross the 140 mark this year.

The first event was visited by about 20,000 people, whereas the figure last year reached 50,000, registering a significant growth in terms of visitors’ turnout. As a result, the event has now emerged as an important annual gala for both national and international academic institutions, career consultants and publication houses. In the course of time, the number of international participants has also made a notable progress. This year, more than two dozen Indian institutions and more than a dozen institutions from other countries will add flavour to the event. International participants from India, China, United Kingdom, United States, Singapore, Russia and Switzerland will promote educational courses and other opportunities being taught at their respective institutions.

Reputed domestic educational institutions, overseas educational consultants, computer institutes and book publishers and distributors will be representing Nepal’s advancement in the field. Besides providing a common platform to education enthusiasts and book lovers, the event has been a pioneer in bringing together people from any field and career-oriented institutions including educational institutions, overseas education consultants, training institutes, schools, colleges, universities, professionals, publishing houses, NGOs, INGOs, and so on under a single roof to cater to the need of general public.

Besides the exhibition, talk programmes, workshops, demonstrations and various educational programmes will be added attractions of the event, where students, parents, educationists and many others can participate to explore their needs. The book fair provides quality and a wide range of books and publications to needy students, professionals and readers and inculcate reading habit in general public.

The event is being held under the sponsorship of Padmashree Group of Institutions, Apex College, British Council, Ekta Books, Arena Multimedia, Lord Buddha Education Foundation, Kathmandu Don Bosco College, Nepal International Educational Consultancy, Universal Language and Computer Institute, Himalayan White House College and Air-way Express.