Delhi gears up for a bookish affair

The scenario at this year's Delhi Book Fair quite justified the imagination of Jorge Luis Borges, who once quoted: "I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library." Piles of books stacked on the counters, hustle-bustle of the people, youngsters flocking to get their hands on the exciting collection of books, is how one can describe the lively ambiance of the place. The event evidently talked of the Prime Minister's appeal, 'to give a book rather than a bouquet to witness the big change', taking the shape of reality.

The much-awaited event for avid readers and literary freaks; the 23rd edition of Delhi Book Fair, with its concurrent events including the 19th Stationery Fair, 3rd Office Automation Fair and Corporate Gift Fair 2017, kick started on August 26 in the national Capital. Organized by the Indian Trade Promotion Organizations (ITPO) and Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP), the event witnessed the presence of remarkable people like Deepak Kumar, IAS, Executive Director, ITPO along with N.K. Mehra, President, FIP, who lighted the ceremonial lamp to inaugurate the events. Apart from them, Vikas Malhotra, General Manager, ITPO, Naveen Gupta, General Secretary, FIP, participants, delegates and media persons also marked their presence at the venue.

No matter how tech savvy the world turns, the charm of books can never be lost. Referring to Prime Minister's comment that there can be no greater joy than reading and no strength greater than knowledge, Deepak Kumar said, "It is important for today's generation to come out of online games and inculcate a habit of reading books. To promote the industry and encourage the readers, ITPO has sent invites to various schools and colleges. General entry is priced at Rs 30 and entry of school students in the fair is free." He strongly believes that books would remain meaningful despite their digital versions.

Since the response has not been very phenomenal as compared to the last year, N.K. Mishra reasoned it with the fact that Indian publishing industry is going through a terrible crisis. It is hard to point out any new publishers who have joined hands with Delhi book fair this year. Elaborating on the strength and concerns of the present day Indian publishing industry, N.K. Mehra said that FIP has been facing innumerable challenges after the implementation of GST in the country, to which Naveen Gupta, General Secretary, FIP agreed. Mehra pointed out the provision of 18 per cent tax on the royalty to the authors, which is causing a cost surge of the books and publications, leading to increasing piracy.

Adding to his comment, Mehra informed, that in view of addressing the issues and challenges faced by the publishers, an exclusive conference of the International Publishers Association will be held from February 10 to 14, 2018, in New Delhi.

Another reason for a poor response towards the fair is being predicted to be the mass agitation and protest against the conviction of Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh. Since Delhi is on high alert, people are refraining from getting out of their homes to visit the fair.

With exactly 275 book stalls, Delhi Book Fair and its allied events have been organized in hall 8 to 12 of the Pragati Maidan. It is a golden chance for you to stock your shelves with books on science, fiction, technology and what not. Apart from purchasing books, one can enjoy participating in seminars, book releases, talk shows, painting competitions for children and various other ancillary programs, throughout the duration of the fair.

Do not forget to pay a visit to this paradise as the events are open from 10 am to 8 pm only until September 3.