Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Human Resource Development

04-February, 2013 17:53 IST

The much awaiting New Delhi world book fair opened today. Inagurating the week long fair the Minister of State for HRD, Dr. Shashi Tharoor said that growth of competitive intolerance in books, films and art is not a healthy trend. Exhorting the people who have reservation on these issue, he said they should argue, debate all these issue rather than seeking ban on their display. Seeking promotion of digital revolution in publication sector, he said it is a good idea and there is a great scope for writer to reach readers through this new media. Seeking promotion of reading habits among the people the Minister said book fair are cultural event. He lauded France to be Guest of Honor country in this event. About 2000 French titles will be put on display. Acclaimed French author Tahar Ben Jelloun, Kènizè Mourad, Dominique Siguad will be a part of their presentation.

Earlier speaking on the occasion the president of the Indian council of cultural relation Dr. Karan Singh asked for promotion of value based education in the country as it will help younger people to imbibes positive values. Lauding diversity of Indian publishing sector, the eminent author, said that, in India book are written in more than 25 languages which are more than number of languages written in entire Europe. He said our publication sector reflects the diversity of our country.

The Ambassador of France for India, Mr. Francois Richier, criticized the tendency of extremes elements globally to burn books and manuscripts of the works they disagree. Referring to incidents in Mali in Africa, he said that several libraries were gutted by Al-quada in Timbuktu.

About 23 countries, including China, USA. Poland, Turkey and 4 international agencies are participating in this event. For the first time, special enclosures have been made for govt. participants where publication will be made available. A special enclosure for e-books has been made where publisher, developers and content providers will be showcasing their e-books. There is also provision of author’s corners and initiative to promote business to business session between the publishers. Several literary events including seminars, discussion and book release have also been scheduled.

 

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Freedom of expression urged over bans; digital publishing advanced with e-book showcases and publisher collaboration. Promotion of Freedom of Expression was emphasised at the New Delhi World Book Fair, urging debate over bans and condemning destruction of libraries and manuscripts. The fair also advanced digital dissemination by creating a special e-book pavilion and dedicated enclosures for government participants, alongside authors' corners and business-to-business sessions to support publishing distribution and access.