The 53rd edition of the World Book Fair concluded this evening. Organised by the National Book Trust, the nine-day fair witnessed the participation of over a thousand publishers from more than 35 countries. Our correspondent reports that bringing stories, ideas, and cultures under one roof, the fair attracted readers of every age group from curious children and enthusiastic youth to seasoned senior citizens.

This year’s World Book Fair emerged as much more than a celebration of books; it became a vibrant platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and culture. The 9-day fair took on a grand scale, where literature crossed boundaries and connected directly with readers. The event featured book launches, literary discussions, poetry readings, academic deliberations, and a wide range of programmes focused on contemporary issues.

One of the major highlights of this year’s fair was a special exhibition based on the theme Indian Military History – Valour and Wisdom @75. The exhibition showcased more than 500 books highlighting the glorious contributions of the armed forces, offering readers an insightful glimpse into the nation’s proud military traditions and sacrifices. The decision to keep entry to the book fair completely free was also highly commended by the people.

Special exhibitions were also organised to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram and the 150th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, underscoring the values of the freedom struggle and national unity. In addition, the National e-Library provided readers with digital access to more than 6 thousand free e-books. Overall, this year’s World Book Fair was not only a celebration of books but also emerged as a powerful platform for strengthening global literary and cultural collaboration.