The New Delhi World Book Fair, is running from 5 – 13 January at the Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Organized by National Book Trust, India, the fair offers a good platform to the book readers and publishers.
Despite construction activities in more than half of the area at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi World book fair is going on in full force. Many exhibitors were happy with the footfall while few said that on 5 and 6 January there were few visitors perhaps due to rain. The book fair has come with a complete package with cultural shows, literary sessions, children’s pavilion, authors’ corner, international events corner and New Delhi Rights Table.
At children’s pavilion, a workshop on career guidance for special children was organized by Government of India. Psychologist Dr. Jayender Kumar and Nasir were special guests on the occasion. The speakers were of the view that skills and education can go hand-in-hand to make a good future for one self. Over 150 children from Prerna Niketan Sangh NGOs and Aga Khan Foundation attended the fair. The workshop was followed by a storytelling session by NBT in which Jayanti Ozha, narrated stories about the river Ganges and moral values to the children.
Hall no. 7 was full of children book stalls, where reputed publishers like Penguin Random House, Harper Collins, McMillan, MBD and many others were present. Deep foundation organized dance workshops for the children which they thoroughly enjoyed (if noise of laughter and bubbly chatter is any indication). Workshop on ‘Bal Adhikar’ was organized by Law24x7. There was a panel discussion on “Why Indian history needs story telling?”, which was organized by Ponytale Books and children’s literature by Eklavya. Apart from this, there were songs on environment organized by Hare Krishan Devsare Trust. Many schools and libraries attended the New Delhi World Book Fair.
Penguin India showcased its best selling books of famous authors like Ruskin Bond, Sudha Murti, Lady bird and DK at the event. The company is showcasing its complete range of encyclopedia at the fair. MBD publications showcased its robotic section for children this year at the fair.
