New Delhi World Book Fair 2013

National Book Trust, India an apex body of Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India organised a press conference at Constitution Club, New Delhi to brief the media about the upcoming New Delhi World Book Fair, 2013 to be held from 4 to 10 February 2013 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Shri A Sethumadavan, Chairman, Shri M A Sikandar, Director and Ms Farida M. Naik, Joint Director (Admin & Finance) were the speakers on the occasion.

Shri Sethumadhavan said that we took very conscious decision to make the Fair annual to promote reading habit among people in the country. He informed that this year France will be the Guest of Honour country and French Embassy will bring a delegation of renowned French authors, publishers and scholars at the Fair. He said that the theme of the fair is Indigenous Voices: Mapping India’s Folk and Tribal Literature.  The presentation will include special exhibition of books on various aspects of folk and tribal literature and culture,        exhibits of art and crafts, workshops, panel discussions etc.

He added that the format of the Fair has been changed and several new initiatives have been taken to attract large number of booklovers, authors and publishers to promote reading habit. The Fair would provide a platform to distinguished authors and readers to interact with each other at the Authors corner. There will be Book Art exhibition at the Fair which is a new concept for Indians.

New initiatives have also been taken for business negotiations at the Fair, NBT will organize Rights Table on 2 & 3 February 2013 to help publishers exchange rights especially translation rights. About 65 publishers will participate in this forum. CEO Speak is another avenue in which CEOs and Senior Executives of the Indian publishing industry will participate to discuss and share common issues and concerns to evolve a composite agenda of Indian publishing

Shri Sikandar said that 28 countries are participating in this Fair and there will be fair representation of Indian languages publishers of Indian languages like Santhali, Assamese, Sanskrit, Telugu, at the Fair. He said that this time we have designated section for e-books where digital publishers will be given space. There will be 2100 stalls at the Fair. He also informed about other major activities undertaken by NBT other than New Delhi World Book Fair.  

Dr Shashi Tharoor, Hon’ble Minister of State has kindly consented to inaugurate the Fair on 4^th February 2012, Monday, at 10.30 a.m. at Hall No. 7, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.  Dr Karan Singh, the eminent author, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and President, Indian Council for Cultural Relations would be the Guest of Honour.  Mr François Richier, Ambassador of France for India will be the special guest on the occasion.