Cultural diversity in contemporary society will be the main focus of the 17th New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF), commencing here on January 27.
The nine-day event, with the theme 'Composite Culture in a Multicultural Society', will have about 1300 participants, including 17 from foreign countries and international bodies-- UNICEF, WHO and ILO.
As many as 48 Pakistani publishers and authors are attending the fair besides delegates from other countries including France, the US, the UK, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Seminars, cultural programmes, poetry recitation and multimedia presentations have been organised at the event, to be inaugurated by Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh.
"Efforts have been made to reach out to Indian authors and publishers and present them within and outside the country.... Indian books in all the languages will be showcased and the theme is cultural diversity," National Book Trust chairman Bipin Chandra told a news conference at the preview of the biennial event.
He said 'multiculturalism' was a worldwide phenomena and the book fair, which will have 2300 stalls, will highlight the process of teaching and learning among the cultural groups.
"Cultural identity of all the groups has to be maintained... But at the same time they have to be presented in a composite way A platform is being provided to our numerous language publishers who can not take their books to the public," he added.
{{/usCountry}}"Cultural identity of all the groups has to be maintained... But at the same time they have to be presented in a composite way A platform is being provided to our numerous language publishers who can not take their books to the public," he added.
{{/usCountry}}Chandra said the fair will for the first time have an exclusive pavilion devoted to youth.
"Besides highlighting the role of youth... It will also host some youth icons to interact with the visitors," he added.
The NBT chairman asserted that language publishers will be given assistance on promoting their books.
Mr Chandra said a two-day international seminar, on the theme will be held where writers, intellectuals and scholars will deliberate on multiculturalism.
"The seminar will look at India's long historical experience in multiculturalism and role of dance, music, films and literature," he added.
Prof Namwar Singh, Prof Bhiku Parekh and Historian Romila Thapar are among those who will participate in the seminars.
When asked why the "red brigade" had been packed at the seminar, Chandra said the speakers had been finalised by the editorial committee.
"The NBT does not have any influence over the political leaning of a person..... They have been invited only on criteria that they are prominent writers, authors and intellectuals," he added.
Ashok Vajpayee, Javed Akhtar and other poets will recite their new works.
The Children's pavilion will host varied activities like workshop on creative writing and photography.
India has been accorded the status of the guest of honour at the prestigious Frankfurt Book Fair, 2006, the second time in the past 20 years.
"It's a matter of pride that India has been made the guest of honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair, twice since 1986," Chandra said.
He said the Frankfurt Book Fair, which commences on October 4, will showcase Indian writers and publishers.