New Delhi World Book Fair is witnessing the participation of a large number of young readers. They are browsing through their favourite books and interacting with the authors. Their interest in books shows that India has a bright future ahead.
10 January is celebrated as World Hindi Day every year which aims at promoting Hindi language across the world. New Delhi World Book Fair is also playing a significant role in promoting the language. Over 240 Hindi publishers from across the country are exhibiting their books at Hall 12 (A) for the readers. Besides National Book Trust, India, the other publishers include Bhartiya Jnanpith, Sahitya Akademi, Hindi Academy Delhi, Central Hindi Directorate, Kabir Gyan Prakashan Kendra, Geeta Press, Vani Prakashan, Rajkamal Prakashan, Raja Pocket Books, etc.
Theme Pavilion
“Reading textbooks only, does not inculcate the habit of reading,” said Prof. N K Jangira, NCERT at a discussion held on the topic ‘Inculcating Reading Habit among Children with Special Needs’ at Theme Pavilion. It is the supplementary reading material which indeed helps in developing the habit among children, he added. The other panelists included Prof. Anupam Ahuja, Department of Education, NCERT and Ms Shantha Rangarajan, Principal, National Association for the Blind. During the session, the speakers discussed about the different ways through which children with special needs can be encouraged to read books. They were of the opinion that more reading material for children needs to be developed and more efforts are required to create an environment of inclusive learning. The session was moderated by Shri Satish Kapoor, Founder Director, We Care and Brotherhood.
Author’s Corner
A conversation with authors, Geeta Shree and Himanshu Bajpai was organised by Storytel at Author’s Corner, Hall no. 8. The session was moderated by Giri Raj Kiradu. During the session Geeta Shree, read some stories from her newly launched book, Haseenabaad. She announced that her book is being converted into an audio book as well. Later, Himanshu Bajpai, Urdu author, read one of his famous stories. Giri Raj Kiradu was of the view that Himanshu is playing a major role in reviving the Urdu writing culture in our country.
A discussion on the book, Birds in Delhi, was held at Author’s Corner. The session was organised by Penguin Random House India, in collaboration with D.K. Publishers. Sanjay Tiwari noted photographer and member of Delhi Trust Foundation interacted with the author Nikhil Devasar. He said that the book contains five hundred species of birds; the most common to rarest of the rare. The book is perfect for any bird lover. It includes every information one might require – the months in which the birds are available and migrate, their types and habits, etc. “If you love them, let them fly” – quoted the writer whole talking about his admiration towards nature.
At Authors’ Corner, Publications Division organised a discussion on ‘Bal Sahitya aur Gadgets Mein Uljhe Bal Pathak’ (Children’s Literature and Children’s Dependence on Gadgets). The speakers on the occasion were Dr. Sachidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of Indira Gandhi National Centre of Arts (IGNCA); Ms. SadhnaRaut, Director General, Publications Division; Dr Akhilesh Jha and Ms Shamima Siddique. On this occasion, several books published by Publications Division including Bapu Ki Vani, Ved-Gatha, Hamare Samay Mein Upnishad, Shekhawati Ki Lok Sanskriti, Haar Ki Khushi, Maa Ka Janmdin, Bal Mahabharat, Children’s Vivekanand were launched.
Children’s Pavilion
A storytelling session was held at the Children’s Pavilion in which Sujata Suri interacted with children and narrated stories on cleanliness and recycling. The session was organised by SNS Foundation, Pratham, Deep Foundation and Koshish.
Jaishree Sethi, Storyghar, told the nuances of creating jingles for radio to the children. They were then asked to create their own jingles. The children came up with a jingle on the book fair based on a popular Bollywood song, Suno zor se duniya walon, sabse aage hoga apna Book Fair.
During the day, children also presented skits on ‘Jangal Ka Maharaja Kaun,’ and ‘Paryavaran Sanrakshan.’ These skits were performed by the children from Koshish Special School and Mata Daan Kaur School, respectively.
