Smriti Irani inaugurates World Book Fair-2016

24^th edition of  “New Delhi World Book Fair” to be held from 9-10 January, 2016.

Vananchal News Network

New Delhi: Minister of Human Resource Development Smriti Zubin Irani inaugurated the 24^th edition of “New Delhi World Book Fair-2016” at Pragati Maidan on Saturday; which to be held from 9-10 January, 2016. Welcoming China as the Guest of Honour country, she said, “We believe in Athithi Devo Bhavaa and we worship the guests. We hope that the Chinese will feel at home in India”. 

Talking about the India-China relationship since ancient times, she said that there is a mention of Chinese silk dress in Arthashastra which shows how Indian history finds resonance of relationship with China. She hoped that both the countries will not only exchange culture and but also knowledge and strengthen ties. The Fair is being organized by the National Book Trust, India in collaboration with the India Trade Promotion Organisation.

Irani appreciated efforts undertaken by the NBT to bring out 16 new titles under the Navlekhan series and hoped that NBT would publish books in 22 major Indian languages. She also said that the children from various states of India including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Manipur, Assam among others with select photographers would be sent as shodh yatris to foreign countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and their memoir will be published in the form of books.  She also appreciated that for the school children, senior citizens and people with special needs, the entry to the book fair is free. She also said that the children’s pavilion will attract more and more children.

At this occasion, Sun Shoushan, Vice Minister, SAPPFRT, China said that New Delhi World Book Fair-2016 has set up an important platform for the cultural exchanges and mutual understanding all of the world. As Guest of Honour country we are pleased to get together with the publishers of India. He remarked that the publishing exchanges between china and India have played an important role in cementing the relationships between peoples and promoting cultural exchanges.

NBT Chairman Baldeo Bhai Sharma said that on the lines of inspiration from Minister of Human Resource Development, the Trust has come up with a new Navlekhan series for young writers under the age of forty and has brought out 16 new titles. He also informed that the theme pavilion will display books beginning from bhoj patra to ebooks and will also display ancient scripts.

ITPO CMD L C Goyal  hoped that the New Delhi World Book Fair will go a long way in disseminating the culture of India. Liu Zhenyou, eminent Chinese author; Le Yucheng, Chinese Ambassador to India and VVInay Sheel Oberoi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education China are also in pavilion.

                                                                                                         (PRESS RELEASE)