On February 1, 2025, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the highly anticipated New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) 2025 in New Delhi, marking the start of a week-long celebration of literature, culture, and global exchange. The event, taking place from February 1 to 9, 2025, is hosted at the newly constructed Halls 2-6 at Bharat Mandapam. This year’s theme, ‘Republic@75’, commemorates India’s 75th year as a republic, reflecting on its achievements and the continued importance of education, cultural diversity, and freedom.

The Power of Reading: A Transformative Experience

During her address, President Murmu emphasized the transformative power of reading, stressing that books are more than just a hobby. They are essential tools for building connections across different cultures and regions. She expressed her pleasure in seeing the fair showcase books from a variety of languages, both from India and around the world, noting that the fair provides a unique platform for book lovers to explore literature from diverse cultures in one place.

Encouraging Broader Reading Habits Among Schoolchildren

The President also encouraged schoolchildren to go beyond their textbooks and explore books on a variety of subjects. She stated that this would help children discover their true potential, while also fostering well-rounded individuals. In her speech, she underscored the importance of instilling a love for reading from a young age, urging all adults to take responsibility for nurturing this habit in future generations.

The Significance of Children’s Literature

Furthermore, President Murmu urged greater attention towards the creation and promotion of children’s books. She called it one of the most important duties of society to cultivate a lifelong passion for reading among children, which can significantly shape their character and future.

NDWBF 2025: A Premier Publishing Event

The New Delhi World Book Fair, which has been a significant event in the publishing world for over 50 years, continues to draw attention from across the globe. This year, the fair is organized by the National Book Trust, India (NBT), under the Ministry of Education, and is supported by ITPO (under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce) as the co-organizer and venue partner.

Republic@75: Celebrating India’s Journey

With over 2,000 publishers, more than 1,000 speakers, and 600+ cultural and literary stations, NDWBF 2025 promises to be a dynamic event for those passionate about books, culture, and the arts. The theme, ‘Republic@75’, celebrates India’s 75 years as a republic, reflecting on the ideals of nation-building, freedom, and the role of education in shaping the country’s future. “The theme of the Fair celebrates our nation’s journey of freedom, diversity, and progress,” said Mr. Yuvraj Malik, Director of NBT.

Focus Nation: Russia at NDWBF 2025

This year’s fair will feature the Russian Federation as the focus nation, marking a special cultural exchange. It will bring together a wealth of international authors, speakers, and publishers from more than 50 countries, including France, Qatar, Spain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia.

Global Conversations and Cultural Engagement

The NDWBF will host discussions on both local and global topics, offering a platform for intellectual exchange. Additionally, the NDWBF Rights Table will bring together key figures from the global publishing industry. Regular events such as the Festival of Festivals, Yuva 2.0, and the Authors’ Corner will also take place, providing additional avenues for engagement and inspiration.

Interactive Digital Experiences at the Fair

One of the major attractions this year is the introduction of digital experiential zones, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in literary classics and historical milestones through interactive displays. This innovative feature promises to captivate visitors and enhance their experience at the fair.