The silver jubilee edition of the fair aimed to project New India as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Over 140 exhibitors took part in the event, held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Inaugurating the five-day event, Information and Broadcasting Secretary, Amit Khare pointed out that despite the Internet, books still hold relevance as they ignite young minds to think originally. Publications Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is one of the eminent publishers which had put on display a wide variety of books and e-books on different subject in several Indian languages. Smita Bhatia, an associate professor of zoology at Ramjas College, said she could not count the number of years since she has been coming to the fair. “My profession gives me an opportunity to look at new books and I often suggest the good ones to our library for procurement,” she added. D.K. Kapur, manager of Jaico Publishing House, meanwhile, said he was happy to find “that the younger generation is keen on reading”.Jaico Publishing House stall is one of those which attracts a lot of customers. They lure them by offering 10% discount on books. Mr. Kapur said that he managed to sell books worth ₹10 lakh, adding that, “The fair is always a good idea.”
