The pleasant weather on a Sunday in January, and the ongoing New Delhi World Book Fair 2020 was enough to pull people out of their homes and throng the Pragati Maidan grounds to buy books and see the new releases and search for the old ones as well. Children accompanying their parents had a field day at the fair grounds with buying books of their choice and attending the various activities and programmes being held at the Children’s pavilion. The second day of the book fair saw a huge crowd of about 1 lakh visitors.
The book fair saw various activities also being held on the sidelines of the book fair.
CEOSpeak
In the series of business sessions being organized on the sidelines of New Delhi World Book Fair, today CEOSpeak Over Chairman’s Breakfast was organized jointly by FICCI and National Book Trust, India. The theme of the session was ‘Book Export Markets’. In his address, Dr Mohsin Jawadi, Deputy Minister for Culture & Guidance, Government of Islamic Republic of Iran invited Indian publishers to the International Book Fair in Tehran and said that we are prepared to closely collaborate with Indian authors and publishers in different book-related fields. Welcoming the guests, Prof. Govind Prasad Sharma, Chairman, NBT informed the audience that National Book Trust, India was the Nodal Agency for the Guest of Honor Presentation of India at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and Guadalajara International Book Fair. “Both these fairs cater to a wide and large books markets in Arabic and Spanish languages respectively,” he added. Speaking about developing cooperation between two countries, Mr Niknam Husainpur, CEO, Publication House, Iran, said that cooperation between Indian and Iranian publishers is an important aspect of Indo-Iran relations and Iran is willing to cooperate with Indian publishers.
Author’s Corners / Seminars
A discussion on the book The Saraswati Civilization, authored by Major General G D Bakshi was organized by Garuda Prakashan at Author’s Corner, Hall No. 8. Another book, Kanpur Ki Ghatak Kathayein, authored by Mridul Kapil was released at Lekhak Manch, Hall No. 12. The session was organised by Aman Prakashan. In a symposium on mother tongue held at the Seminar Hall, and organised by The Intellects. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Ravi Tekchandani emphasized on the importance of mother language. During the session, tribute was paid to A.V. Swamy, a true follower of Gandhi, Indian politician who represented Odisha in Rajya Sabha. The other speakers on the occasion included Dr. Bijayand Singh, Prof. Amarendra Kathua, Prof. Mrinal Chatterjee and Prof. Udaynath Sahoo.
Children’s Pavilion
A number of activities engrossed children at the Children’s pavilion today. The day began with a storytelling session in which the well-known children’s authors including Suman Bajpayee, Suman Kumar and Kusum Lata Singh interacted and narrated a few interesting stories to children.
‘Tamsili Mushaira and Kavi Sammelan’ for children was also organized, where the young kids shared meaningful messages via poems.
Theme Pavilion – Gandhi: Writers’ Writer
“Do we know Gandhi?” remarked Dr Varsha Das, well-known author and Gandhian at a panel discussion on the topic ‘Gandhiji Ko Jaise Meine Jana’ (How I Understand Gandhi) held at the Theme Pavilion. Dr Das discussed about the relevance of Gandhi in present times and also explained the ways to help children and young understand Gandhi. Talking about Gandhi’s philosophy, Prof. Govind Prasad Sharma, Chairman, NBT said that his philosophy was diverse and extensive. He remarked that whenever we remember Gandhi, his philosophy gives us positivity in life. During the discussion, Shri Narendra Shukl highlighted about the inter-relation between Indian philosophy and Gandhi’s thoughts. Shri Ramesh Tanna talked about Gandhi as a journalist and role of Navjivan in Gandhi literature. Dr rakesh Pande also spoke on the occasion. Ms Neera jain, Director, NBT also spoke on the occasion.
A panel discussion was also organized which was focused on the life of Mahtama Gandhi and how he enlightened everyone with his actions. The speakers on the occasion included Shri Madan Dubey, Shri B.S. Mirgay and Shri Avinash Dudhe. The panelists praised the enthusiasm and zeal Gandhi showed during his protests against the British and how he always led a simple life.
International Events Corner
A Presentation on Higher Education in Saudi Arabia was organised by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia at the International Events Corner and presented by Professor Hamid Bin Abdurrauf Saleh(Dean, Faculty of Quality and Academic Accreditation, Medical College, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The programme was moderated by Prof. Z A Farooqi (Academic Advisor, Cultural Attaché Office, Saudi Arabia). An event based on the ‘Efforts of Saudi Arabia in teaching of Arabic Language’ was also held.
Another panel discussion organised by the Embassy of Denmark, New Delhi on The Travel, the Foreign and the Meeting of Cultures was held at the International event corner. The panelists were Stine Askov, a novelist and author of Bjørneklo (Hogweed) and Anne-Sophie Lunding-Sørensens is the author of trilogy; Happy ending, Happy family and Happy Hour. The authors shared the various aspects of their writings, travels, and experience of new cultures which have an impact in their writings.
