By Aseem Kulkarni
Calling all you culture afficionados out there! If you find yourself buried in a book, then join book lovers and book professionals alike at The New Delhi World Book Fair. The New Delhi World Book Fair {NDWBF} has been held for the past 41 years, and is now a major calendar event in the publishing world. NDWBF 2015 is scheduled from 14 to 22 February 2015 and will be showcasing at Pragati Maidan.
Whether you are a Hindi or English reader, prefer the convenience or your Kindle or the weight and feel of a beautifully produced hardback, there's something for everyone at the NDWBF this year.
All the big shots will be showing up; major international publishers such as Penguin Random House, Harper Collins, and Hachette will be exhibiting. As well as some of our favourite local publishers like Roli Books {amazing illustrated books} and Zubaan {our feminist neighbours in Shahpur Jat}.
Since Korea has been selected as the Focus Country, Korean Publishers Association will be present and have their own pavilion. The KPA will organise special exhibitions for Korean children's books as well as traditional Korean culture, so that Indian publishers and visitors can experience the development of the Korean publishing industry, and also the Korean lifestyle. Sadly, we doubt Ganghnam style will be played at the pavilion.
Along with Korea, the Guest of Honour Country will be Singapore. Singapore has had long historical links with India, has long been known as a melting pot, and a crossroads of Asia. Fifty years after independence, how has this nation-state's literature developed? Featuring authors who write in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil, illustrators of children’s picture books and graphic novels, as well as publishers of fiction, poetry, non-fiction and academic books, the Singapore Pavilion at the New Delhi World Book Fair invites you to discover how Singapore's latest writing and illustration draws upon its multicultural roots to present a distinct Asian voice.
Along with new countries, the fair will include a thematic program entitled Emerging Voices from the Northeast. The focus will be on writings from the region as well as performances, workshops, and discussions.
And some familiar cultural centres based right here in Delhi will also be exhibiting their own range of published works. They include the Iran Culture House, Instituto de Cervantes, Polish Book Institute, and Japan Foundation.
Lastly, for all of you with little ones, bring them along to the fair. There will be a huge section devoted to children's book publishing. Publishers exhibiting will include Scholastic India, Pratham, and the Children's Book Trust. Check out their website for an itinerary of activities and readings.
So put away your kindle or paperback book and head over to the New Delhi World Book Festival. Make sure to bring the kids too and check out all the exciting books and trends the publishing world is offering!
When: 14th - 22nd Feb, 11am
Where: Pragati Maidan
For more information click on their website here