The much-awaited World Book Fair kicked off on Monday. Inaugurating the week-long fair, Minister of State for HRD, Shashi Tharoor, said, ‘Growth of competitive intolerance in books, films and art is not a healthy trend.’
Exhorting people who have reservations on these issue, he said, ‘They should argue, debate all these issues rather than seeking ban on their display.’
Seeking promotion of digital revolution in publication sector, he said, ‘It is a good idea and there is a great scope for writers to reach readers through this new media.’
France is the guest of honour country for the event. About 2,000 French titles are being put on display. Acclaimed French authors Tahar Ben Jelloun, Kènizè Mourad and Dominique Siguad will be a part of the presentation.
Member of Parliament Karan Singh, speaking on the occasion, asked for promotion of value-based education in the country.
Lauding diversity of Indian publishing sector, the eminent author said that in India, books are written in more than 25 languages, which is more than the number of languages in entire Europe.
Ambassador of France for India, Francois Richier, criticised the tendency of extremist elements globally. Referring to incidents in Mali in Africa, he said several libraries were gutted such elements. As many as 23 countries, including China, USA, Poland, Turkey and four international agencies are participating in the event. For the first time, special enclosures have been made for the government.
A special enclosure for e-books has been made where publishers, developers and content providers will showcase their e-books. There is also a provision for author’s corner and initiative to promote business-to-business session between the publishers.
INDIA-PAKISTAN BONHOMIE AT FAIR
The relationship between India and Pakistan seems to be thawing at the World Book Fair. The fair was inaugurated in New Delhi on Monday. As many as nine stalls were reserved for Pakistani publishers, of which four were full. Book lovers from both sides of the border remained unaffected by the tension created earlier when Indian soldiers were beheaded by Pakistan army. Some Pakistani publishers said, ‘We are very hopeful. This year, we will probably sell more copies than last year.’ Shazaad Alam, running a stall, said, ‘We have been participating in this fair for the last eight years. Last year, I sold 1,000 titles and I am sure to sell more this year.’
Exhorting people who have reservations on these issue, he said, ‘They should argue, debate all these issues rather than seeking ban on their display.’
Seeking promotion of digital revolution in publication sector, he said, ‘It is a good idea and there is a great scope for writers to reach readers through this new media.’
France is the guest of honour country for the event. About 2,000 French titles are being put on display. Acclaimed French authors Tahar Ben Jelloun, Kènizè Mourad and Dominique Siguad will be a part of the presentation.
Member of Parliament Karan Singh, speaking on the occasion, asked for promotion of value-based education in the country.
Lauding diversity of Indian publishing sector, the eminent author said that in India, books are written in more than 25 languages, which is more than the number of languages in entire Europe.
Ambassador of France for India, Francois Richier, criticised the tendency of extremist elements globally. Referring to incidents in Mali in Africa, he said several libraries were gutted such elements. As many as 23 countries, including China, USA, Poland, Turkey and four international agencies are participating in the event. For the first time, special enclosures have been made for the government.
A special enclosure for e-books has been made where publishers, developers and content providers will showcase their e-books. There is also a provision for author’s corner and initiative to promote business-to-business session between the publishers.
INDIA-PAKISTAN BONHOMIE AT FAIR
The relationship between India and Pakistan seems to be thawing at the World Book Fair. The fair was inaugurated in New Delhi on Monday. As many as nine stalls were reserved for Pakistani publishers, of which four were full. Book lovers from both sides of the border remained unaffected by the tension created earlier when Indian soldiers were beheaded by Pakistan army. Some Pakistani publishers said, ‘We are very hopeful. This year, we will probably sell more copies than last year.’ Shazaad Alam, running a stall, said, ‘We have been participating in this fair for the last eight years. Last year, I sold 1,000 titles and I am sure to sell more this year.’