During a session held at Hall 5 Theme Pavilion of the New Delhi World Book Fair 2024, two books authored by renowned editor and writer Shri Gulab Kothari were unveiled. The titles included “Why to Wear Jewellery: Social, Cultural, Scientific Studies” and “Soul of Development, Communication”. Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs and Education, graced the event as the chief guest. Also in attendance were Professor Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman of the National Book Trust, India, and Director Shri Yuvraj Malik.
Shri Gulab Kothari emphasized the significance of communication in life during discussions about his books. He stated, “Life revolves around communication, wherein the body and mind serve as mere instruments. Communication transcends the physical realm; it’s a connection of souls, a devotion that begins even before birth. There’s an innate connection between a child and its mother, communicating beyond words.”
Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh extended his appreciation to the National Book Trust, India for fostering cultural promotion. He commended Gulab Kothari for shedding light on spiritual discourse and expressed gratitude for the insightful content provided in the books.
Children took a space journey
A captivating virtual space journey titled ‘Space Safari: An Adventure in Astronomy’ was organized by Nehru Planetarium, New Delhi at Hall 3, Bal Mandap of the New Delhi World Book Fair, where astronomy professionals engaged children with discussions on the solar system, planets, Sun, Moon, and the Chandrayaan mission. The speakers also emphasized the significance of marine pollution awareness and space exploration. Additionally, Karnav Agnihotri’s book “Super Shark-Fly to the Moon” was showcased during the event.
Cartoon Network hosted a poster-making competition with the theme “Dreams Bikram Reality: Poster Competition on My Future Self,” which attracted considerable attention from the children.
In Bal Mandap, NCCL, National Book Trust, India organized a workshop session titled ‘Ink and Elegance: A Workshop on Calligraphy,’ focusing on “A to Z Lower Case Letter Formation,” allowing children to practice calligraphy writing.
Renowned storyteller Simmi Srivastava narrated the tale “Raja Ki Mustache” in another session, imparting valuable lessons about humility and maintaining a positive attitude towards others. Additionally, Mr. Yash Tiwari conducted a session titled “Pages Alive: Interactive Session on Literary Authors,” where he shared insights into story writing and highlighted the benefits of reading stories for children’s holistic development.
Writer’s Forum become the center of literary activities
Release of the book ‘Ram Phir Laute’
On Friday, February 16, Lok Sabha MP Manoj Tiwari and Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi unveiled the book ‘Ram Phir Laute’ in Hall No. 2 of the New Delhi World Book Fair. The esteemed author of this book is senior journalist Hemant Sharma.
In a significant initiative, People’s Action for National Integration (PAANI) presented the English book ‘Splash’ and its Hindi translation ‘Hilor’ at the Author Forum during the New Delhi World Book Fair. PAANI Sangathan, dedicated to empowering girls who defy societal norms, has been instrumental in assisting over 25,000 girls in pursuing their aspirations.
Life of a Journalist in the Modern Age of AI
At the Author Forum’s Hall 2 session on ‘Life of a Journalist in the Modern Age of AI,’ Executive Editor of ABP News, Mr. Inderjit Rai, discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by technology. While acknowledging the benefits technology brings, Rai highlighted the pressing issue faced by journalists in verifying the authenticity of news amidst a flood of information.
Discussions on multilingual traditions
The National Book Trust, India organized a program in Hall 5, Theme Pavilion of the New Delhi World Book Fair, featuring the launch of the Odia language book ‘Suryoday’ by Shri Sangram Mishra, retired IAS. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Pradeep Singh Kharola, Chairman and Managing Director of Indian Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), as the chief guest. Discussions during the program emphasized the transformative power of literature in society.
In another session held at the theme pavilion, a discussion on ‘A Rich Cultural Tradition of Urdu in Multilingual India’ took place. Professor Chandra Shekhar, Professor Khwaja Ikramuddin, Devesh Sharma, and Professor Danish Iqbal underscored Urdu’s significant contributions across various domains in India.
Additionally, a session on ‘Sanskrit in Contemporary India’ organized by the National Book Trust, India featured discussions led by Shri Girish Nath Jha and Professor Sampadanand Mishra, highlighting the historical, linguistic, and cultural importance of Sanskrit.
The book ‘The Everest Girl’ by Brijesh Rajput was also discussed in Hall 5 Theme Pavilion, with speakers including Megha Parmar, the first woman from Madhya Pradesh to climb Mount Everest, and Professor Milind Sudhakar Marathe, President of the National Book Trust, India. The discussion focused on Megha Parmar’s journey, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical health in mountaineering.
Distinguished personalities attending the New Delhi World Book Fair included Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs and Education, Shri Manoj Tiwari, Honorable MP of Lok Sabha, Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, Honorable MP of Rajya Sabha, as well as renowned writer and editor Shri Gulab Kothari, among others.
Cultural programs enriched the fair, featuring poetry recitals in various languages, performances by the Shadaaz Band, and presentations on Himalayan Bits, captivating the audience with their vibrant displays of language and culture.
