3 min readKolkataJan 29, 2025 04:49 AM IST
First published on: Jan 29, 2025 at 04:49 AM IST
CHIEF MINISTER Mamata Banerjee said on Tuesday that she expects the sale of books as well as the footfall during the International Kolkata Book Fair to increase this year as compared to the previous year.
Banerjee was speaking after inaugurating the 48th edition of the International Kolkata Book Fair at Salt Lake. This year, Germany is the theme country for the fair. For the first time, there is no stall representing Bangladesh at the fair.
Banerjee said that last year, 27 lakh people visited the book fair and business worth around Rs 30 crore. “This time, the footfall may cross 59 lakh or even one crore,” said the CM.
She said, “Books are our friend, philosopher and guide. Books are our inspiration, hope.”
Germany is this year’s focus country at the fair, celebrating the deep literary and cultural ties between the two countries. The platform will showcase Germany’s rich literary scene, cultural diversity and collaborations with India and South Asia.
Dr Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India, Said, “It’s a true honour that the Kolkata Book Fair selected Germany as the official focal theme country 2025 – for the very first time in the fair’s history. The Kolkata Book Fair is a wonderful celebration of the world of literature that puts the reader at the forefront. Germany is widely known for its classical thinkers and authors, but there is so much more to offer. We will showcase a very modern, reflective, diverse and colourful side of literary Germany, with exciting participants from very different cultural and artistic backgrounds.”
“The Germany pavilion will host an engaging mix of events, including performative readings, book launches, live storytelling sessions, panel discussions on publishing, translation and literature festivals, workshops for young readers, trial sessions for German language, and live art installations. Each event is crafted to inspire and engage, offering unique insights into German literature, culture, and contemporary themes. Whether you are a literature enthusiast, aspiring student, young creative, or art lover, the pavilion promises something for everyone,” said Astrid Wege, director, Goethe-Institut Kolkata
“We are excited to have Germany as the focal theme country. It is a matter of great pride and privilege for us that the great land of literature, culture and sports, is in focus this year,” said Tridib Kumar Chattopadhyay, president, Publishers and Booksellers Guild.
CM Mamata Banerjee with others during the inaugural function of the International Kolkata Book Fair, Tuesday. Express 
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