The bustling streets of Pragati Maidan are once again filled with the sweet scent of fresh pages and the chatter of excited book lovers as the New Delhi World Book Fair 2024 comes to a close. For half a century now, the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) has served as a melting pot for bibliophiles, writers, publishers, educators, and language enthusiasts from all over the globe to come together and revel in the magic of storytelling.
Image Source: National Book Trust
This year's edition of the World Book Fair has been nothing short of spectacular, with a mammoth crowd descending upon the newly constructed International Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan. Over vibrant nine days, nearly 15 lakh visitors have meandered through the 2,000-plus stalls set up by more than 1,000 publishers from 40 countries.
Since its inception in 1972, the NDWBF has stood as a beacon of intellectual exchange, carving its place as the second oldest book fair in India, trailing only behind the venerable Kolkata Book Fair.
Image Source: Ayanangsha Maitra
The theme of this year's fair, Bahubhashi Bharat – Ek Jeevant Parampara (Multilingual India – A Living Tradition), has shone a spotlight on the rich tapestry of Indian languages and literature. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the guest country, has added a layer of cultural exchange and dialogue, showcasing its literary heritage to Indian audiences.
One of the biggest highlights of the fair has been the Saudi Arabia pavilion, which has offered visitors a glimpse into the country's culture and legacy. From academic discussions to book launches, meet-the-author corners, and networking opportunities, the fair has been a hub of intellectual stimulation and literary discourse.
Image Source: Times Now
In line with the National Education Policy 2020, this year's fair has also unveiled an e-learning platform, 'Jaadui Pitara', designed to revolutionize childhood education. Using AI technology, the platform offers inclusive and informative content in 22 languages, aiming to shape the future writers and thinkers of multilingual India.
The fair has not only focused on celebrating the diversity of Indian languages but also on expanding the publishing industry through the integration of artificial intelligence. Panel discussions, publishing conferences, and the launch of E-Jaadui Pitara have all underscored the importance of harnessing technology to enrich the literary landscape.
Image Source: Lifestyle Asia
As the 51st edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair draws to a close, the excitement remains palpable. With a shuttle service in place to manage the crowds on the final day, visitors can look forward to storytelling sessions, communication workshops, and engaging presentations on Saudi Arabia's role in promoting the Arabic language in India.
In a world where technology is constantly evolving, the New Delhi World Book Fair stands as a beacon of tradition and innovation, bridging the gap between the past and the future. As we bid adieu to another successful edition of this literary fiesta, we can only look forward to what the next year holds in store for book lovers and literary enthusiasts alike.
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