Multilingual Poetry and Cultural Extravaganza Highlight New Delhi Book Fair

The New Delhi World Book Fair 2024 offers an abundance of books catering to all age groups, covering a wide array of genres and subjects in various languages. From non-fiction to fiction, children’s literature to spirituality, and from mythology to science & technology, the fair is a treasure trove for book enthusiasts.

Readers of all ages, from young children to grandparents, are flocking to the book fair in large numbers, eagerly browsing and purchasing books across the expansive Halls 1 to 5 in Pragati Maidan. The diverse selection ensures that there’s something for everyone, with titles spanning from educational aids to toy-integrated learning materials.

This year, there’s a noticeable trend towards books that foster a connection to one’s roots and culture. Children and youth, in particular, are showing increased interest in mythological literature, with a growing demand for epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Additionally, there’s a surge in interest in books published in regional languages, reflecting a desire to embrace and understand local cultures.

Publishers are responding to this demand by offering a diverse range of books in languages such as Gujarati, Marathi, Bangla, and others, alongside Hindi and English. This inclusivity resonates with visitors, who seek to celebrate and reconnect with their heritage through literature.

The event’s stalls showcase a wide range of offerings, from competitive literature like Pratiyogita Darpan to fiction and non-fiction by renowned publishers such as Penguin, Crossword, and Bloomsbury. The fair truly encapsulates the vibrant and dynamic landscape of literature, offering something for every reader’s preference and interest.

At New Delhi World Book Fair, language is no obstacle

On Day 5 of the New Delhi World Book Fair, international events showcased diverse languages and cultures. The Spanish delegation organized interactive sessions on language and publishing, while the Austrian Embassy discussed the evolution of Austrian literature. Meanwhile, the Institute for Literary Translation in Russia received inquiries on classic Russian works, including translations into regional languages like Telugu. Nepal’s White Lotus Book Shop featured poet Amar Akash’s debut collection, ‘Tungana,’ and the Instituto Cervantes promoted Spanish language courses. Sri Lanka Book Publishers Association presented a range of texts, with Tamil collections garnering significant interest.

Exploring Innovation and Creativity at the Children’s Pavilion: A Glimpse into the World of Literature and Learning

At Hall 3 of the bustling book fair, where Children’s publishers gather, Eklavya Pitara stands out with its unique focus on regional languages. Delving into the rich tapestry of dialects such as Bundelkhandi, Gondi, and Kurku, they craft innovative stories and poems that captivate young imaginations. Journeying through the enchanting realms of Pluto and Cycle from Ektara, children find themselves immersed in conversations about poetry, nature, and science.

One cannot overlook the captivating allure of Richa Jha’s award-winning work, ‘The Pickle Yoke.’ Through beautifully crafted picture books, young minds are invited to ponder the mysteries of the human psyche, engaging in introspective exploration.

Meanwhile, a Toy-integrated Learning Zone beckons visitors, where play seamlessly merges with education, sparking creativity and igniting young minds with immersive learning experiences. Complementing this innovative approach is the ‘Jaadui Pitara’ learning kit, which fosters curiosity and critical thinking through hands-on activities and inventive toys.

Inkmeo takes creativity to new heights with its Reusable Coloring Rolls, revolutionizing the concept of colorable wallpapers and integrating interactive apps for wall-scribblers.

For avid readers and enthusiasts alike, FunReads offers a treasure trove of books, periodicals, and curated rare box sets. From educationalists to libraries to young adult enthusiasts of Enid Blyton, Sherlock Holmes, and Percy Jackson, there’s something for everyone.

Oswal Books and Learning breathe life into educational materials for all ages, nurturing intellectual capacities through question banks and sample papers. Pegasus enthralls young learners with illustrated encyclopedias and moral stories, while BrijBasi offers international interactive art sets and captivating pop-up books.

Notably, among the regular features at the Children’s Pavilion, storytelling sessions are a highlight. Ms. Swati Sinha mesmerized young audiences with a Maharashtrian folklore titled ‘The Magic Ring,’ using famous Warli Art to convey messages of kindness and empathy towards animals. Similarly, Shakuntala Kalra’s recitation of Hindi poems like “Patang aur Dori” and “Meri Amma Mere Papa” aimed to instill the importance of moral values in life for the impressionable young minds.

In the Authors’ Corner, Dr. Annurag Batra, Chairman & Editor-in-Chief of Business World, shared his insights on the topic ‘Life of a Journalist in the Modern Age of Artificial Intelligence.’ Emphasizing that “Artificial Intelligence cannot take over journalism as long as original content creation remains beyond AI’s capability,” he discussed the integration of AI in media and India’s digital infrastructural advancements. On the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, he underscored the significance of books as conduits of culture and knowledge, asserting that continuous reading fosters perspective and critical thinking, aligning with the spirit of the day dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of knowledge and wisdom.

Enchanting Kavi Sammelan Mesmerizes Audience with Multilingual Poetry

Within the enchanting ambiance of the amphitheater, a captivating Kavi Sammelan unfolded, showcasing acclaimed poets reciting verses in Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu, Rajasthani, and Punjabi. Renowned wordsmiths such as Keshav Tiwari, Vinod Shrivastava, Shariq Kaifi, Madan Mohan Danish, Udayan Thakker, Ambika Dutt, and Sukhwinder Amrit held the audience spellbound with their profound poetry and eloquent expressions.

Book Release Event: ‘Krantdarshi Mahatma Basaveshwar’ Unveiled by Shri Vinod Tawde

In a notable book release function, Dr. Shyama Ghonse’s work ‘Krantdarshi Mahatma Basaveshwar’ and Varsha Pargat’s book ‘Shri Krishna’ were unveiled by Shri Vinod Tawde, alongside the esteemed presence of Shri Sudhir Sachchidananda Mungantiwar, Hon’ble Minister of Forest, Cultural Affairs & Fisheries, Govt. of Maharashtra. Commending the enduring relevance of Mahatma Basaveshwar’s wisdom, Shri Tawde remarked, “The thoughts of every great man are inspiring in themselves. Many of the sayings of Mahatma Basaveshwar ji are relevant even in today’s time. I am happy that the youth of today are reading good literature.”

Authors, Leaders, and Dignitaries Grace New Delhi Book Fair

Day 5 of the New Delhi Book Fair witnessed a parade of esteemed personalities, including renowned authors such as J. Sai Deepak, Akshat Gupta, and notable figures like Karine Pansa (President, IPA), and Alison Barrett, Director of British Council India. Mr. K.C. Tyagi, esteemed politician and former Rajya Sabha member, lauded the event, describing it as “Upyogi bhi, shaandaar bhi aur jaandaar bhi”, emphasizing its increased scale, concept, and purpose compared to previous years.

Under the cultural program themed ‘Multilingual India: A Living Tradition’, a captivating Multilingual Kavi Sammelan showcased poetry recitations in languages such as Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, Rajasthani, and Punjabi. Additionally, cultural performances from Maharashtra state delighted attendees, with the youth actively participating in late-night dances. The cultural stage is set to feature performances by Shadaj Band and Himalayan Beats by Faisal Ashroor Khan and Band, adding further vibrancy to the event.