Melodious strains of Russian folk music and the echo of literary giants like Tolstoy and Pushkin floated in the air on a chilly Saturday morning as nine days of literary feast began at the 18th World Book Fair here.
The spotlight is on Russian publishing and books as Russia has been anointed the guest of honour at the mega book fair at Pragati Maidan in which over 1,300 publishers from 23 countries are participating.
“There is a growing hunger for books everywhere. Books are men’s best friend,” said Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh in his inaugural address, which was read out by a senior official of the ministry. Singh was expected to inaugurate the event but could not come for the function.
Bilingual writer U.R. Ananthamurthy, the author of “Samskara”, a contemporary classic depicting ironies of the caste system in India, who presided over the inaugural function, made a strong pitch for the culture of debate reviving the romance of books.
“There is a pleasure in disagreeing. All quarrelling authors are present at the book fair. It’s a celebration of quarrel, criticism and debate,” he said.
Ananthamurthy also made an impassioned plea to the government to treat all languages, including tribal languages, as equal. “India is a natural home for books. The government should treat all languages as equal. Who knows a Homer may be born in a tribal language?” he said.
Fiercely opposing the banning of books under the pressure of religious zealots, he said: “There are increasing demands for books to be banned. But this goes against the culture of criticism and debate.”
The highlights of this year’s book fair include an International Rights Exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi and special pavilions for children and youth.
Although 23 countries, including Iran, Pakistan, Germany, Ireland and Norway, are participating at the book fair this year, Russia is easily the scene-stealer with an entire hall showcasing classics as well as contemporary Russian literature.
Books on science and technology - Russia’s proven forte - are also displayed in the Russia Hall where folk musicians and flute players welcome the visitor.
Posted By Staff Reporter: Gurgaon City News
in Gurgaon News
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