Ahead of the launch of New Delhi World Book Fair 2025, the National Book Trust, India (NBT, India) under the Ministry of Education, Government of India held a press conference. In it, Director, NBT, India, Yuvraj Malik announced that this grand literary event will be inaugurated by the Honble President of India, Smt. Draupadi Murmu on 1st February 2025 at 11:30 am at Bharat Mandapam. The press conference held on 30th January was attended by several dignitaries including Prof. Milind Marathe, President, NBT, India, eminent Russian author and literary figure Dr. Alexey Varlamov, Third Secretary (Culture, Education, Sports) Mikhail Antsiferov and Yuvraj Malik, Director, NBT, India. The flagship event organised by the National Book Trust, India, organised by the Ministry of Education, NDWBF 2025 will host and celebrate ideas, authors and discussions not only from across the country but from across the world. The event stands as an occasion where the essence of a seventy-five-year-old republic combines with the aspirations of a nation poised to attain global acclaim. In keeping with this sentiment, Yuvraj Malik highlighted that NDWBF 2025 will be attended by international authors and speakers from over 50 countries, including France, Qatar, Spain, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Colombia and Russia (the focus nation of NDWBF 2025). Dr. Alexey Varlamov emphasised that with over 1,500 books presented by Russian publishing houses at the fair, this showcase is a true representation of Russian history, culture and literature. Further, Secretary (Culture, Education, Sports) Mikhail Antsiferov said that the Russian exhibition will feature interviews of authors and presentations from Russian museums. A small café is also planned for those wishing to taste Russian sweets and pastries.
Prof. Milind Marathe highlighted how the event brings together diverse segments and perspectives reflecting the principles and values enshrined in the Constitution. With over 2000 publishers and exhibitors, over 1000 speakers, over 600 literature and cultural stations, NDWBF2025 will create a new flavour of culture, literature, art and book reading. Similarly, the International Event Corner of NDWBF 2025 will have book releases, panel discussions, reading sessions, film screenings and workshops from authors, speakers and literary associations from several countries such as Russia, Nepal, New Zealand, Germany, Lithuania and Italy.
Along with this, NDWBF 2025 celebrates diverse voices from across the country, bringing together diverse perspectives reflecting the principles and values enshrined in the Constitution of India.
As part of the Festival of Festivals (FoF), an initiative launched by the National Book Trust, India, in 2024, various book festivals and literary forums from across the country will come together on a common platform at NDWBF 2025. Celebrating Indias vast literary landscape, Brahmaputra Literature Festival, Prabhat Prakashan, Bharat Literature Festival, Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival, Authors Ink Publications, Penguin Dialogues, My Secret Bookshelf x Anecdote Publishing House, Asian Literary Society and Great Indian Book Tour will all participate, promoting collaboration and engagement among Indias emerging book festivals. Yuvraj Malik informed at the press conference that this years edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair has new exciting additions to its programs. For instance, the Authors Lounge has been designed as a dedicated space where authors can interact, reflect and refresh themselves in between literary gatherings. It will be a great place for writers to make a much-needed sojourn before continuing their literary journey. Indeed, this gathering, where ideas flow as freely as the air, where creativity knows no boundaries, and where the legacy of a republic is juxtaposed with its limitless possibilities, is not a place to be missed. Similarly, another new feature the Childrens Corner (Kidz Kingdom) will offer a plethora of storytelling, literature, art, craft and dance sessions for young visitors on all 9 days at NDWBF2025. The New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 with its theme Republic@75 serves as a platform that connects the cultural heritage of the country with the aspirations of the future. The event brings together leading voices from diverse cultures and fields, including literature, governance, technology, art and cinema. Stalwarts like Pankaj Tripathi, Phonsok Ladakhi, Pushpesh Pant, Shashi Tharoor, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Govind Dholakia, Kumar Vishwas and Prakash Jha will engage with the audience in their sessions, reflecting the dynamic and inclusive vision of the festival. Also know: Event dates: February 1 to 9, 2025
Timings: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Free entry for students and senior citizens in school uniform
Venue: Hall 2-6, Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan), New Delhi
Entry Gates: Gate 10 (near Metro Station), Gate 4 (Bhairon Road), Gate 3
Nearest Metro Station Supreme Court
Shuttle service will be available from Gate 10 What’s special this year Theme Pavilion (Hall 5): It showcases the republican ideals of India through installations, books, documentaries and cultural programmes. International Focus Pavilion (Hall 4): Books from Russia Discover the rich literary and cultural heritage of Russia through curated exhibits.
Authors Corner (Hall 5) and Authors Forum (Hall 2): Interact with leading authors, poets and translators in lively literary discussions.
Childrens Pavilion (Hall 6): A dedicated space for young readers with storytelling, workshops and interactive activities.
Free distribution of Braille books under the Books for All initiative Hall 6 B2B Opportunities: The B2B Zone and Rights Exchange Forum (New Delhi Rights Table) provide platforms for publishers, authors and stakeholders to connect globally.
Cultural Evenings: Watch cultural performances celebrating Indias diversity and heritage.
Authors Lounge A dedicated lounge for published authors
Illustrators Corner A dedicated illustrator zone to showcase the works of illustrators in publications
