Delhi Book Fair: A treat for book lovers

Books are an indispensable part of our lives and depict our lifestyle and preferences, to a great extent. Be it fiction, non-fiction, anthology, biography, mystery, romance, satire, books of any genre have adorned the shelves of every book lover, starting from their growing years to adulthood. They not only cater to our literal appetite but also help to establish a balance in our ever-changing lives. 

One finds solace in the books he or she loves the most and sometimes this even transcends the company of a living soul. Books are no longer limited to the ‘source of knowledge’ definition but have evolved over the years, bringing out <g data-gr-id="67">variety</g> of genres while catering to the needs of book lovers of all age groups. But this doesn’t end here and it is necessary to provide a platform where a book enthusiast can get an opportunity to justify his love for books and explore as well as choose from a variety of options. This is where a book fair comes at a book lover’s rescue. 

So, to take this thought forward and to maintain a healthy book-reader relationship, the Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP) in association with India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) is organising the 21st edition of the Delhi Book Fair at Pragati Maidan from August 29 to September 6.

Dr Ashok Gupta, the director of Delhi Book Fair and the president of FIP tells Millennium Post about the urgency to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

How pertinent is the theme “Skill Development” to the literary domain, in the present scenario?

Any education, without <g data-gr-id="61">involvement</g> of <g data-gr-id="62">books</g> is not possible.  Skill Development, if at all is to be achieved as per the vision of our Prime Minister, we will have to ensure the amalgamation of book knowledge as well as practical knowledge.  The Delhi Book Fair 2015 is providing a good interactive platform for the students as well as the teachers to expose themselves to book knowledge which can ultimately be used in the practical knowledge to achieve the expertise.

Since the theme is quite new this year, will it affect the pattern of the book fair in terms of the events organised, as compared to the past years? Is Delhi going to experience a whole new, evolved version of the book fair?

Change is the law of nature and every year the Book Fair is presented with a new dimension.  And as you know, the theme of this year is Skill Development.  We have tried to make this book fair <g data-gr-id="63">youth centric</g> and also create a cultural hub for the entertainment of the book lovers. Some spaces have specially been carved out in the halls to provide good ambience for the people to sit, relax and think over the specific subjects to be seen amongst the exhibited books, which will be a new feeling to the book lovers during their visit to the Fair. 

Will the Book Fair cater only to the highbrow crowd of the book enthusiasts or will it also have something in store for the general public?

I am sorry to say that it is a wrong perception that the book fair is only for the highbrow crowd. Knowledge is for everybody and so is the vital source of it, that <g data-gr-id="52">is books</g>, and a book fair caters to all sections of the society and all age groups. 

As you said that the Delhi Book Fair will cater to all genres and age groups, so will books, solely representing the theme of the fair, be at the book lover’s disposal, this year?

It is a misconception that the entire Book Fair will be dedicated to the theme of Skill Development. There will definitely be an area dedicated to skill development related literature but other parts of the Book Fair will have the conventional books on all subjects and languages.  

Also, additional efforts have been put to organise stalls where <g data-gr-id="57">digitised</g> form of learning including e-books are placed for the benefit of book lovers. 

 

Apart from <g data-gr-id="48">instilling</g> and encouraging the idea of book-reading and also of satisfying the book lovers of all age groups, will the Fair also emerge as a beneficial platform for business-to-business transactions for exhibitors and publishers?

We will be supportive and encouraging of those who would work out to bring a change in the society by spreading literal awareness among people at large.