Indian publishing industry to shine @ Mexico

India has been designated as the Guest of Honour at the 33rd Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara (Guadalajara International Book Fair), Mexico (November 30-December 8, 2019) — the largest book fair in the Spanish speaking world.

In a Press Conference held recently, Embassy of India at Mexico City, Prof. Govind Prasad Sharma, Chairman, National Book Trust, India, Muktesh K. Pardeshi, Ambassador of India in Mexico, and Kumar Vikram, Editor & Project Incharge announced in detail the India’s broad outline of programmes for FIL 2019, to a packed house of media persons. Marisol Schulz Manaut, Director General, FIL also addressed the Press Conference from the book fair organizer’s side.

The National Book Trust, India (under the Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India) is the nodal agency coordinating the Guest Country Presentation at the said Book Fair. India will display a wide array of its rich and composite literary and cultural heritage at this edition of Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara (FIL) — with over 35 authors /artists /scientists /science communicators /children’s writers; 15 publishing houses; literary and academic activities comprising conferences, publishers’ round table, discussions and presentations on science and other genres; 3 large exhibitions consisting of ancient and rare manuscripts, photo books, wall hangings on handicrafts and paintings; modern art by 40 renowned women artists of India; a Festival of India consisting of extensive cultural programme that will include 10 concerts — folk, classical and contemporary; and an artistic tribute to Indian literature, among many other activities. An expected sale and exhibition of more than 2000 Indian titles is foreseen at this huge book event, which will also include translation agreements and copyright exchanges.

India’s participation at FIL will also include a film festival, comprising of Indian feature films’ and those based on pure sciences; a food festival; street shows at various venues across Guadalajara and at Casa de la India – a cultural hub of Indian food, handicrafts and artefacts, for sale and display.

Nearly 15 titles from different Indian languages including English for children are being translated to Spanish for the launch at the FIL. A Literary Writers’ and Poets’ Delegation is being co-ordinated by Sahitya Akademi while a delegation of children authors, artists, science communicators, scientists is to be supported by National Book Trust, India.

Engagement with the Mexican/Spanish scholars of Indian culture, literature and languages is an important focus of the presentation and the same is being co-ordinated with Embassy of India, Mexico and the Embassy of Mexico, New Delhi.

Conferences, talks and panel discussions on themes such as Mahatma Gandhi and the Spanish World; Women’s writing; Children’s content in digital era, Democracy and polity; Indian philosophical traditions; Information and Technology; Environment and climate change; Indian cinema are also being worked upon.

Festival of India will comprise of 9 cultural performances (concerts/theatres) for 9 evenings at FIL FORO with the support of Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. There will be a special dance performance by an Indian Folk Group with the support of Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Govt. of India. While, there will be an exhibition of Photo Books presented by National Institute of Design and exhibition of Ancient and Rare Manuscripts and Wall Hangings presented by National Manuscripts Mission, Ministry of Culture.