Transformations & truly global networks!

The National Education Policy (NEP) which was recently approved by the Union Cabinet is a welcome move – ushering in an era which will bring transformational reforms in schools and higher education, with an aim to make “India a global knowledge superpower.” Minister of Education Ramesh Pokhriyal shared that the aim is to reflect the 5 ‘I’s – Indian, Internationalism, Impactful, Interactive and Inclusive while beholding the principles of equity, quality and access. The NEP aims to bring about transformational changes for students. Focus to be on Early Childhood Care Education, Holistic Multidisciplinary Education and An Academic Bank of Credit (ABC). ABC shall be established which would digitally store the academic credits earned from various recognized Higher Education Institutes (HEIs). The policy will be implemented in a phased manner. The National Education Policy 2020 puts teachers at the centre of the fundamental reforms in the education system. It will help to re-establish teachers, at all levels, as the most respected and essential members of our society, who shape our next generation of citizens. The PM focussed on importance of mother tongue as medium of instruction till class 5.

Emmanuel Lebrun-Damiens has been appointed the Country Director of French Institute in India, who will develop the numerous initiatives already launched by Dr. Bertrand de Hartingh including their focus on languages and translations. Another significant initiative is Publishers Exchange, a unique platform of publishers representing different Indian languages, who in these tough times have come together to discuss, support and promote languages and their translations.

The truly global, the 72nd Frankfurter Buchmesse, is all set to connect and dazzle digitally, with digital exhibitors from 85 countries and a host of digital offerings providing literary inspiration and exciting interactions. The Special Edition’s approximately 70 hours of trade programming include conferences, market insights and networking sessions. Many international industry leaders will speak, including James Daunt, CEO of the Waterstones and Barnes & Noble bookstore chains, Ananth Padmanabhan, CEO of HarperCollins Publishers India, and Jenny Fry, Commercial Director & Board Member of the Scottish indie-publisher Canongate. A complete celebration of literature online and in Frankfurt with Karin Slaughter, Elizabeth Gilbert, Irvine Welsh and many more! Enabled by the financial support from the German government’s NEUSTART KULTUR programme, the digital offerings can be accessed free of charge until summer 2021. Juergen Boos, Director of Frankfurter Buchmesse, at a recent press conference said , “In this year of uncertainties, this is, for me, a ‘beacon of hope’, to quote Margaret Atwood. The intensive exchange with a wide range of industry players over many months and under difficult conditions has been unique – and I would like to thank everyone involved for their contributions.”

Back home, the 26th edition of Delhi Book Fair 2020 will be held from October 30-31, 2020 which will be a virtual exhibition platform. The event will see participation of publishers, authors, distributors and readers, with an anticipated participation of 2 lakh visitors and over 100 exhibitors and more than 20 webinars.

Shweta Khurana
shweta@allaboutbookpublishing.com