The nine-day long event, which is organised by the National Book Trust (NBT), has something for people of every age, be it astrology for grandparents or nursery rhyme for kids. Apart from books, several other programmes such as panel discussions, reading programmes, workshops for children, book launches etc are also being organised at the fair. Let us have a look at things to look out for at NDWBF 2015:
Children Pavilion
This is one stall that attracts maximum number of footfall. The pavilion offers several ways to make learning a lot more fun. Apart from text books, there are several stalls that are offering attractive comics, stationary and toys. In addition to this, well-known authors, illustrators, storytellers and professionals interact with children. Some of the famous names include Usha Venkataraman, Aabid Surti, Prayag Shukla, Dr Madhu Pant, Ajit Nainan, Sudhir Tailang and Rajnikant Shukla.
Theme Pavilion
This is must visit for everyone coming to the fair. ‘Suryodaya: Emerging voices from Northeast India’ is the theme for NDWBF 2015, where in it showcases rich literary works from the region depicting its people, culture and history. The theme pavilion also hosts a series of discussions, touching upon several aspects of writings, films and history of the region as well as the performances, which include special screening of remarkable movies from northeast.
Foreign Pavilion
If you are in love with international authors than you cannot give this pavilion a miss. Every year, authors from across the world participate in the fair, showcasing wide variety of literature from different corners of the world. This year, Singapore is the Guest of Honour country, while Seoul is the Focus Country. This gives you an opportunity to explore and have fair idea of different cultures. Nearly 30 countries are displaying their work this time that include Singapore, South Korea, Australia, China, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Iran, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, etc. In addition to this, international bodies like WHO, UNESCO, EUNIC are also displaying books and organizing programmes.
Discounted books
Nothing can get better this. Exhibitors are selling books at the throwaway prices at the ongoing NDWBF 2015. Be it famous novels, text books, drawing books, cookery books or encyclopedias, every things is out on sale with heavy discount. The prices are being slashed to half or even more in some case. Famous novels such as The Da Vinci' Code is being sold for just Rs 99 against the market price of Rs 300, while The Fifty Shades of Grey' trilogy which is available online for Rs 1000, can be grabbed for meagre Rs 300. Children’s books are being offered for as low as Rs 20. So, this is an apt place, if you are looking to add books to your personal library collection.
Author’s Corner
Author’s Corner is another highlight of World Book fair to look at. Every day, eminent authors, who are invited by different publishers, have reading and interaction sessions with the visitors and share their experiences, ideas and opinions with readers. These sessions are really engrossing and worth your time.
Cultural events and workshops
Apart from books, there is more to this fair, which makes it an interesting affair, especially for children. Special art and craft workshops, creative writing and drawing competitions are being held for children. In addition to this, beautiful cultural performances by students from Northeast region and music and dance festival is organised every evening in the Lal Chowk Theater.
New Delhi Rights Table:
Well apart from book lovers, there is also something for traders and publishers to look at. National Book Trust, India organizes the event on the sidelines of the fair in a bid to promote Indian books abroad. It is a platform where Indian publishers and foreign publishers from across the world meet each other for business interactions that includes buying or selling of translation rights available in English, Hindi and other Indian languages.
For a more convenient experience at the fair, go through the following list:
- General and Trade Books: Hall Nos. 6, 9, 10, 11
- Science & Technology and E-Books: Hall No. 14
- Foreign Publishers: Hall No. 7
- Hindi & Regional Languages: Hall Nos. 12, 12A
- Social Science: Hall Nos. 6, 1R
- Educational Aids, CDs, Games: Hall No. 14
- Children’s & Educational books: Hall Nos. 1A, 1R
- Government Publications: Hall No. 14