Kolkata: The 40th edition of the International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF), Asia’s largest book fair, will be held from January 27 to February 7 at Milan Mela ground here, with Bolivia being the focal theme country. Bolivian author Magela Baudoin and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be present at the official inauguration function.
The Department of Research, Government of Arunachal Pradesh is ready to participate in the 40th Kolkata International Book Fair, 2016 scheduled to begin on January 27. The Department will put on display as many as 180 publications during the book fair depicting the cultural heritage of the indigenous tribes and publications of Directorate of Information and Public Relation highlighting the developmental activities of the Government will be on display.
The Department of Research is also pride publishers of five books of Dr Varrier Elwin. The state’s display stall hosted by the Directorate of Research will be at Hall No. 3, stall No. 7. The theme of Arunachal Pavilion this year will be – ”Folkdances of Arunachal Pradesh: Enchanting Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Arunachal Pradesh”.
Kolkata International Book Fair occupies third position after Frankfurt Book Fair and London Book Fair in terms of accumulation of Books.The 40th IKBF will witness highest number of national participation, along with glorified presence of many foreign countries, making it a culturally diverse event. France had initially confirmed its participation in International Kolkata Book Fair 2016 as the focal theme country. However, in September, they withdrew their participation due to shortcomings from their end. After their withdrawal, Bolivia came forward and confirmed their presence as Focal Theme Country. ”We have been overwhelmed with the support and contribution made by the book lovers, Embassies, book sellers and publishers and look forward to another successful innings for the most sought after event hosted by the cultural capital of the world,” General Secretary of the Publishers and Booksellers Guild Tridib Chatterjee said. There will also have a special appearance of Spain in the 40th IKBF, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relationship between India and Spain. Besides that Vietnam will participate in the book fair as the special Guest of Honor country, celebrating 40 years of Vietnam War, Chatterjee said. Publishers and Booksellers Guild will arrange free Wifi service inside Milan Mela premises during the 12-day-long book festival in 2016 too. The guild is also planning to arrange free transport facility for the book lovers, from Milan Mela to Park Circus, in the 40th IKBF. (UNI)
