The 25th edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair themed 'Manushi – writings on and by women' began on Saturday at Pragati Maidan, with more than 800 participating publishers from across the country and abroad.
The nine-day fair was inaugurated by Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development. Pandey highlighted the importance of books in the current technology-driven era.
Talking about the religious and spiritual stature attributed to books in India, where they are synonymous with Goddess Saraswati, Pandey said, "It is important to know the importance of books in the current digital age." He also noted that the publication of books have increased with the increase in literacy. Applauding the theme of the fair, Pandey said it was in line with the Government's 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign.
Referring to a statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a recent event at the Banaras Hindu University, the Minister said, "Our PM said a very important thing that books are an important part of literature, music and art. If books are not there, then in today's age of technology, no one can save human beings from turning into a robot."
The Theme Pavilion on 'Manushi' has on display books from different genres, posters and panels of some of the eminent women scholars of ancient and medieval India as well as women pioneers of modern Indian literature. The fair is also celebrating 60 years of National Book Trust (NBT) at the Special Pavilion, featuring an exhibit titled, "This is No looking Back!" The Children's Pavilion is hosting seminars, panel discussions, storytelling sessions, workshops on creative writing and illustrations among others.
Although the fair this year does not have a guest country at the Foreign Pavilion, but the international segment has participation by over 20 countries including, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Nepal, Iran, Poland, Japan, Spain, Sri lanka among others.