"The New Delhi World Book Fair is a manifestation and celebration of a liberal, democratic, multilingual, multicultural and secular society," said Pranab Mukherjee, Honb’le President of India, while inaugurating the New Delhi World Book Fair 2014 at Hamsdhawani Theatre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
The President of India said, "No human society can develop in all its dimensions without books.
They carry the wisdom of generations. Book fairs are a source of multiple inspirations and remind us that history and tradition have celebrated the argumentative India and not intolerant India." He added that book fairs give us an opportunity to help understand literature, traditions and perception of other countries as well. It provides a forum to publishers from different countries for trade and business exchanges.
He further added that over the years an opinion has echoed that with the introduction of new technologies, the importance of the printed word will take a backseat, but Shri Mukherjee said that, "I believe the habit of reading books and printed material is inherent in human civilization and therefore they are here to stay." Welcoming 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 "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. Chandresh Kumari Katoch, 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 also highlighted the significance and history of Indo-Polish relationship. She said that during the World War II, the people of Poland left the country because of the oppression of Hitler, they were helpless and homeless. At the time of adversity, the Maharaja Jam Saheb Digvijay Singh of erstwhile princely state Nawanagar (now in Gujarat) gave them refuge. She expressed her gratitude and also focussed on literary and cultural exchange programmes.
She extended her warmest congratulations to NBT, India. Earlier, A Sethumadhvan, Chairman, NBT welcomed the guests present on the Ms Malgorzata Omilanowka, 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.At the end, Dr M A Sikandar, Director, NBT proposed a vote of thanks.
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