Fair then and fairer now
Bibliophile or not — one gathering that lures the natives of all age groups in Delhi is the Capital’s longest running book fair, known better as the New Delhi World Book Fair. The yearly affair, which began in 1972, is back in the city with over 800 publishers, including various from overseas as well.
Organised by the National Book Trust in association with India Trade Promotion Organisation, the fair of 2018 has it’s major focus on environment issues such as climatic changes, global warming and water pollution, bringing in light, grave issues to be looked into.
Over the years, the debate of whether e-books are overpowering printed books had taken precedence among the book lovers and is expected to continue this year, the trend to carry books which will burn a hole in your pocket will not be chosen over free or minimal costing e-book versions. Yet, over 50,000 books were sold in the last edition. “Over 1.2 million people visited the fair,” Nandan Jha, head of sales, Penguin Random House said, further adding, “Over 20,000 unique titles (totalling 70,000 units) will be on display and available for sale. We also have a larger presence in the Children’s Hall 7-H for the first time.” This will serve as the main attraction this year. It will include activities like monster-making and comic-making workshops conducted by the publishers, editors and authors from 25 European Union countries, at the Children’s Pavilion to lure younger minds into the land of books. Those interested in discussion can head to the popular Author’s Corner where they can have their photo clicked with an opportunity to ask questions to their favourite author.
The new launches will include books from varying genres, such as Diabetes with Delight: A Joyful Guide to Managing Diabetes In India by Anoop Misra and thrillers such as Pretty Vile Girl by Rickie Khosla.
This trend of book fair is deemed very important in today’s tech savvy world, firstly as a measure preserve books and secondly get the younger ones hooked to something that won’t cost thousands to buy. Even the supporters of e-books have admitted that such a gathering is necessary as not only it allows you to interact with the author but also meet new people with similar interests.
