‘When citizen reads,The country leads.’
Sh. Narendra Modi
The 51st edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair commenced on February 10, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, Delhi. The fair is themed “Multilingual India: A Living Tradition (Bahubhashi Bharat: Ek Jeevant Parampara)“.Maxfort School Rohini,under the able guidance of respected principal ma’am Dr Ratna Chakravarty, endeavored to take the lead forward and provided an opportunity to 40 students from classes VII and VIII and 10 facilitators to be a part of this prestigious event.
The fair was organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) of India. This prestigious event brings together publishers, authors, readers, and literary enthusiasts from across the globe. With over 2,000 stalls showcasing books in various languages, the fair promises to be a vibrant celebration of literature and knowledge exchange.
This year’s worthy collaborator is Saudi Arabia . The guest of honour was His Excellency-The King Of Saudi Arabia and 25 delegates from the kingdom attended to showcase their literary heritage amid the fair’s 2000-plus stalls.
It was a colossal celebration of literature, culture, and intellectual exchange and various cultural presentations created an aura of glory. The ceremony symbolized the government’s commitment to promoting literacy and education as essential pillars of national development.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of the Union Education Minister, Mr Dharmendra Pradhan, who emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of reading and learning in the country. In his inaugural address, he highlighted the role of books in shaping minds, fostering creativity, and promoting a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and ideas.
Addressing the media Mr Yuvraj Malik, Director National Book Trust India informed that the National Digital Library will make quality books available across geographies, languages, genres and levels, and devices marking significant milestones in the digitalization of literary resources.
One of the highlights of this year’s event was the launch of innovative digital platforms ‘Rashtriya E-Pustakalaya‘ and ‘E-Jaduai Pitara’ which aims at enhancing learning experiences for students. Recognizing the growing importance of technology in education, the NBT unveiled a range of digital initiatives designed to make literature more accessible and engaging for young readers. These platforms include e-book libraries, audio books, interactive learning modules, and virtual reading communities, providing students with new avenues to explore the world of literature.
With its diverse array of books, engaging activities, and groundbreaking digital initiatives, the fair continues to inspire a love for reading and learning among people of all ages. As the event draws to a close on February 18, it leaves behind a legacy of knowledge, creativity, and community spirit that will continue to resonate in the hearts and minds of attendees for years to come.
