Delhi Book Fair’s calls for urgent revival

  As longstanding participants of the Delhi Book Fair, Disha Publication has witnessed its evolution from a prestigious literary event to its current state, which raises concerns about its future direction and organization.

Historically, the Delhi Book Fair has been a focal point for publishers, authors, and readers to celebrate literature and engage in meaningful literary discourse. However, recent editions of the fair have shown a gradual departure from these core values.

Lack of promotional efforts…

One of the most noticeable changes has been the lack of promotional efforts. In previous years, strategic advertising, including newspaper ads, hoardings at nearby metro stations and key city points, played a crucial role in attracting genuine literature enthusiasts to the fair. The absence of such promotional activities in recent editions has not only reduced footfall but has also diminished the fair’s visibility and impact.

Selling items other than books…

Additionally, the fair’s atmosphere and offerings have shifted significantly. Stalls selling unrelated items have become increasingly prevalent. This not only detracts from the literary focus of the event but also impacts the overall quality and seriousness of the fair as a space dedicated to books and publishing.

Other areas of concern…

Moreover, the quality of books presented has also been a point of contention. The proliferation of stalls selling remaindered, second-hand, or low-quality books has further diluted the fair’s reputation as a premier literary event. Such offerings reflect poorly on the fair’s status and discourage serious publishers and readers from participating.

This shift has not gone unnoticed within the publishing community. Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of publishers attending the fair. This decline is a direct consequence of the fair’s diminishing prestige and the growing perception that it no longer serves as an effective platform for literary and publishing engagement.

Given these issues, it appears that the days of the Delhi Book Fair as a leading literary event might be numbered unless significant changes are made. Disha Publication, along with other stakeholders in the publishing industry, feels a strong need for the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) and involved parties to reconsider and realign the fair’s organization and execution with its original literary objectives.

Looking ahead…

The future of the Delhi Book Fair could be revitalized by reintroducing strong promotional campaigns, ensuring that the fair’s offerings are relevant to its original purpose, and enhancing the overall quality of participants and materials presented. These changes are essential not only to restore the fair’s former glory but also to ensure it continues to serve as a vibrant, culturally enriching event that truly celebrates the literary arts in India.

As we look ahead, Disha Publication remains hopeful and committed to supporting initiatives that promote the true essence of literature and publishing. We believe that with the right focus and collective efforts, the Delhi Book Fair can once again become a beacon of literary excellence and cultural celebration.

“The Delhi Book Fair 2024, under the aegis of ITPO and FIP, has regrettably strayed from its esteemed legacy. This year’s event, once a prestigious literary celebration, has devolved into a marketplace dominated by non-literary goods, undermining its core mission of promoting literary culture. The decision to allocate significant space to unrelated products dilutes the event’s focus and jeopardises its credibility among publishers and book enthusiasts.

The flaws in planning, evident in last-minute stall allocations, reflect a troubling lack of strategic foresight and respect for the book industry’s needs. ITPO’s shift towards prioritising high-end consumer goods over literary engagement demonstrates a misguided approach driven by profit rather than cultural value. This profit-centric view undermines the fair’s role as an artistic and educational platform.

To restore the fair’s prestige, ITPO must realign its strategy to prioritize literary and cultural significance over short-term financial gains. A more inclusive and transparent approach, valuing the fair’s societal impact, is crucial for regaining its status as a premier literary event. The potential of the fair to inspire and educate is immense, and it is essential for ITPO’s leadership to embrace this reform for the benefit of the Indian publishing industry and its stakeholders.”

-Pranav Gupta, Managing Director, Prints Publications