Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to Inaugurate New Delhi World Book Fair

The New Delhi World Book Fair, spanning nine days at Pragati Maidan, is set to open its doors with an inauguration by the esteemed Education Minister, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, on February 10th at 11 am. This announcement was made by Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director of the National Book Trust, India, during a press conference at the Constitution Club of India. Describing the fair as more than just an event, Malik emphasized its role as a festival showcasing India’s rich cultural tapestry and folk art alongside a vast array of books. Over 1000 publishers will participate, making it a global congregation of literary minds. The fair, dubbed the “Festival of Festivals,” will host representatives from various renowned events like the Ahmedabad Literature Festival, Cinema Darbar, Bharat Sahitya Mahotsav, and Pragati Vichar, offering a platform for literary and cultural exchanges as well as book releases. With over 40 countries represented, the fair stands as the largest of its kind at the business-to-consumer level, providing visitors access to literature in nearly every language imaginable.

The upcoming World Book Fair promises a plethora of special attractions. Recognizing the growing interest in e-learning, the launch of the National Digital Library will be a highlight. Additionally, the unveiling of the e-magic box tailored for children will take place during the fair. Notably, the Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts will curate a compelling exhibition titled ‘India: The Mother of Democracy.’ On February 11th, the international publishing community will convene for CEO Speak, offering invaluable insights. The Rights Table event, scheduled for February 11th to 12th in New Delhi, will facilitate crucial literary discussions. Adding to the literary ambiance, bands from Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh, and various regions across India will grace the fair, enriching the overall experience.

The Pragati Maidan’s Hall No. 1 to 5 will host a diverse array of offerings for visitors to the book fair. Hall 1 will cater to enthusiasts of science, humanities, and philosophy, offering an extensive collection of books in these disciplines. Hall 2 will be dedicated to discussions on Indian languages, where writers will engage in conversations covering various literary topics, books, and genres. A dedicated writer platform has been set up for this purpose. Hall 3 will be a haven for children, featuring books, stationery, arts, crafts, and other materials related to children’s subjects. Exciting creative activities for children will also be organized in the Balmandap within this hall. Hall 4 will showcase international activities, while Hall 5 will serve as the theme pavilion. This year’s theme, “Multilingual India: A Living Tradition,” underscores the richness of India’s linguistic diversity. Accordingly, visitors can expect books in every language catering to all age groups. Professor Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman of the National Book Trust, India, emphasized the significance of India’s linguistic wealth, noting that while 22 languages are recognized in Schedule 8, the country’s linguistic landscape extends far beyond, with myriad dialects and languages. He highlighted how literature plays a pivotal role in preserving and celebrating this linguistic tapestry, emphasizing that the fair will serve as a platform for a vibrant celebration of languages and literature.

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During the press conference, Dr. Abdullatif Alwasil, Publishing General Manager of The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, along with Mrs. Hema Maiti, General Manager of ITPO, represented the honored guest country, Saudi Arabia. Dr. Alvasil expressed his excitement for the New Delhi World Book Fair, highlighting the diverse cultural offerings visitors can expect, including 16 unique cultural activities alongside the rich literature of Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that this literary festival serves as a platform to foster a deeper understanding of historical heritage, language, and culture between India and Saudi Arabia, thereby strengthening the international relations between the two nations.