Delhi World Book Fair: India has had a long and rich tradition of literature

During inauguration of World Book Fair, President Pranab Mukherjee welcomed the Polish delegation, the President said “it is heartening to note that Poland is the Guest Country—a country and culture with which we have had close relations.” He was happy to note that an illustrated book for children, ‘Little Chopin’, on the legendary musical genius of Poland has been published by NBT in association with Polish Institute.

Observing that the focus of the fair is Kathasagara: Celebrating Children’s Literature, he said that “India has had a long and rich tradition of literature, as manifest in our folk and oral storytelling traditions, panchatantras, mythologies, puranas, Jataka tales. Even in the 20 century, our most eminent writers like Rabindranath Tagore and Premchand have all written for children.” Children, the President said, “are the best readers because they have no patience for pretence.”

“There are many fairs being held in Pragati Maidan. But this is unique because it is on children’s literature, and they are the future citizens of our country,” said Smt. ChandreshKumariKatoch, Hon’ble Minister of Culture, Government of India on the occasion. She was happy to note that the children’s literature is the theme of the fair. She opined that books are integral part of the society and they have played an important role in freedom struggle of India.

Ms KatarzynaKacpercrzk, Secretary of State, Public and Economic Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland inaugurated the Polish Pavilion. Poland, being the Guest of Honour Country at the Fair, Ms Kacpercrzk said, “this honour has given us an unique opportunity to share with Indian friends our literature and cultureEarlier, Shri A Sethumadhvan, Chairman, NBT welcomed the guests present on the occasion.

Ms MalgorzataOmilanowka, Secretary of State, Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, Republic of Poland, Ms. Rita Menon, CMD, ITPO and Co-organiser of the Fair, Shri Ashok Thakur, Secretary, Higher Education,MHRD, Ruskin Bond, one of India’s most eminent and popular writer for children were also present on the occasion.