Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2025: A lively start as books blend with creativity and inspiration

Jointly organised by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and the National Book Trust of India, the event, inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, saw a massive turnout from schools and book lovers across the city.

The fair started around 11 am and by then turned vibrant with the arrival of students from several schools, eager to see things for themselves. There were hundreds of stalls, each designed on specific themes, lining the venue, which was abuzz with enthusiasm. Some were focused on novels, biographies, and self-help titles, whereas others catered to children with poetry, drawing and educational books. Dedicated sections for religious and cultural literature also saw large contingents of visitors.

There were drawing and writing competitions, too, in which young students participated with great enthusiasm. Booksellers The Indian Express spoke with said they were satisfied with the response on the opening day. “The response has been pretty good,” said one bookseller. “So many kids are genuinely interested in reading and discovering new books.”

Among the authors present in the fair was Rajesh Seth, who shared his views on the importance of reading in this digital world. “It’s hard for people to read books in the time of AI, but they’re still reading,” he said. “The kids here are feeling the touch of books, involving themselves, and enjoying it.” His words echoed the fair’s larger goal: to revive and celebrate the culture of reading in an increasingly tech-driven world.

Indian–American author and investor Jay Patel also released his maiden book “Barrister Mr Patel” to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. After two years of research and travels to London, Patel brings to life Sardar’s journey from a barrister to the nation’s unifier through his book.

Jay Patel shared his journey from Ahmedabad to New York and how a film research project led him to explore Sardar Patel’s legacy. “I visited his house, read deeply about his life, and got inspired,” he was quoted as saying in a statement. “One particular incident moved me – during a court hearing, Sardar received a letter about his wife’s death but didn’t react until the case ended. That strength and composure reflect his character”, the writer said.

Co-authored with filmmaker Abhishek Dudhaiya, the book will be placed in top US universities alongside works on global leaders like Nelson Mandela and George Washington, the statement said.

Sharing anecdotes from Sardar’s life, Dudhaiya said, “When both Sardar and his brother applied to study law in London and only one could go, Sardar chose to let his brother go. That act of sacrifice truly shows the greatness of his character.”

More than 300 events, live sessions, art workshops, and cultural evenings are scheduled in the next ten days, the Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2025 is shaping up to be one of the largest literary events of this city. The first day set a strong tone–a fact proven even in the era of artificial intelligence, the magic of books and human stories continues to enchant minds and hearts alike.

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