First Ahmedabad International Book Festival to be held in 2024!

NBT-India has partnered with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to elevate the Amdavad National Book Fair to the next level by organizing the first edition of the Ahmedabad International Book Festival (AIBF) (November 30 –December 8, 2024) at the Sabarmati Riverfront. Here, Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust India shares more about this move. Excerpts.

AABP: What motivated the decision to elevate the Amdavad National Book Fair into an international book festival?

Yuvraj: The decision to elevate the Amdavad National Book Fair into the Ahmedabad International Book Festival was motivated by a desire to build on the legacy of the ‘Vanche Gujarat’ initiative, one of the world’s largest reading movements, and to bring the global festivity of literature to Ahmedabad. This transformation also marks a new chapter in the successful 12-year legacy of the Amdavad National Book Fair, reflecting the growing interest in Indian literature and culture on a global stage. The festival aims to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas, engage a wider audience, and showcase regional, national, and international literature.

AABP: What role has NBT-India played in this transformation, and how does it align with NBT’s broader mission to promote reading and literacy?

Yuvraj: NBT-India has played a central role in transforming the Amdavad National Book Fair into the Ahmedabad International Book Festival, reinforcing its mission to promote reading and literacy across India. By partnering with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, NBT has expanded the festival’s scope, highlighting both regional and national literature on an international platform. The collaboration with key stakeholders,including the Gujarat Sahitya Academy, Gujarat Urban Development Department, Gujarat Tourism Department, and the Gujarat Education Department, amplifies NBT’s vision of promoting reading at a larger scale. This transformation aligns with NBT’s broader goals of fostering inclusive reading environments and encouraging the global appreciation of Indian languages and literature, especially in culturally rich regions like Gujarat.

AABP: How is NBT-India working to support and promote regional languages through this festival?

Yuvraj: NBT-India is dedicated to supporting and promoting regional languages through the upcoming Ahmedabad International Book Festival. The festival will serve as a platform for literary sessions, exhibitions, and discussions featuring authors and publishers from various Indian languages, showcasing the enchanting Indian language diversity at one place. This initiative aligns with NBT’s broader mission, including its efforts to publish books in over 70 Indian languages and its PM-YUVA Mentorship Scheme, which encourages young authors to write in regional languages. The festival will feature daily author sessions in Gujarati, Hindi, and English, alongside special programmes highlighting Gujarati culture, such as a culinary stage to showcase local cuisine and an Arts and Crafts Bazaar featuring handicrafts by local artisans. Poetry sessions organized by the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad will further enrich the event, fostering linguistic diversity and promoting regional literature on this international stages.

AABP: What initiatives are being taken during AIBF to promote the growth of regional publishing clusters, especially in economically vibrant areas like Gujarat?

Yuvraj: During AIBF, various sessions and workshops are designed to facilitate networking between regional publishers and authors, with a focus on promoting the regional publishing industry. Gujarat’s economic vibrancy provides are sourceful ground for these discussions, helping regional publishers to scale their operations and reach wider audiences. The festival also invites leading professionals from the publishing industry to share insights, which can help boost the local publishing clusters and further develop Gujarat as a literary hub.

AABP: Can you elaborate on the key themes and topics that will be addressed in literary sessions?

Yuvraj: The literary sessions at the Ahmedabad International Book Festival will explore diverse themes, including discussions on Indian literature, regional languages, contemporary writing, and the importance of critical thinking and intellectual development in society. There will be activities focused on storytelling, creative writing, and the latest trends in publishing. For children, the festival will offer activities designed to spark creativity and inspire young minds, such as workshops on musical storytelling, calligraphy (including a special Devanagari calligraphy workshop), and career guidance for young adults. Additionally, interactive sessions like Balgeet (folk songs of Gujarat), a Junior CEO business management activity, a Junior RJ show, and a session on emotional intelligence will further engage young participants. Sustainability will also be highlighted through a DIY compost bin activity, and wall art workshops will add a creative element to the festival. Literary sessions promoting the Gujarati language and culture will round out this comprehensive range of topics.

AABP: How does the festival cater to different demographics through its range of activities?

Yuvraj: The festival has something engaging for everyone, it caters to a wide range of demographics through its diverse activities. For children, the festival will feature interactive storytelling, creative writing, and fun learning sessions, sparking their imagination and curiosity. Young adults will benefit from career-focused sessions, including guidance on higher education and civil services. Adults will have the opportunity to engage in literary discussions and panel sessions with leading authors. Senior citizens will enjoy cultural performances that celebrate India’s rich intellectual and literary traditions. Additionally, the festival will offer inclusive experiences for all age groups, such as author sessions, culinary workshops at the culinary stage, and a gamification zone for parents and teachers. Gujarati art and culture stalls will also be available, showcasing local crafts and traditions, ensuring that attendees of all ages can find something enriching.

AABP: What unique cultural performances or live events can attendees expect, and how do they complement the literary focus of the festival?

Yuvraj: Book lovers at the Ahmedabad International Book Festival will be able to anticipate a rich array of unique cultural performances, including musical performances, dance presentations, and storytelling sessions deeply rooted in India’s diverse traditions. These live events will complement the literary experience by offering a creative edge to both classic and contemporary works. By integrating dance, singing, and performances that showcase the involvement of universities and the Gujarat government, the festival will celebrate literature as a vibrant expression of culture and identity.

AABP: What about international participation?

Yuvraj: AIBF will feature participation from notable international authors, scholars, and leaders from the global publishing industry, creating an opportunity for cross-cultural dialogue. These guests will participate in literary sessions, panel discussions, and workshops, sharing global perspectives on literature, intellectual discourse, and publishing.

AABP: Given this is the first edition of the Ahmedabad International Book Festival, what are NBT-India’s long-term goals for the festival?

Yuvraj: NBT-India’s long-term objectives for the Ahmedabad International Book Festival (AIBF) include positioning it as a leading international literary event that caters to both regional and national literature while facilitating intellectual exchanges that transcend borders. Additionally, NBT aspires for AIBF to become an annual cultural landmark that inspires future generations of readers and writers, both domestically and internationally. In collaboration with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, these goals will be pursued over the next three years, ensuring a continued commitment to the festival’s development and influence.

AABP: What are NBT’s future plans for expanding its reach and improving reading habits across the country?

Yuvraj: NBT-India aims to expand its reach and enhance reading habits across the country through several key initiatives. The PM-YUVA Mentorship Scheme nurtures young authors and encourages literature creation in multiple languages, promoting linguistic diversity. The Intellectual Heritage Series highlights India’s rich intellectual legacy by publishing works across various subjects. NBT’s unique initiative of establishing Knowledge Communication Centres provide accessible public reading spaces, while the Model Village Panchayat Library Project establishes libraries in rural areas as hubs for knowledge. The River-Based Pustak Parikrama initiative connects literature with India’s natural heritage through mobile exhibitions.

NBT also promotes language diversity by publishing books in various languages, with a special focus on tribal and regional languages. In line with changing reading habits and the technology-driven world, NBT has launched the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya, a digital library for children that offers diverse reading materials through a mobile application. It is freely available on android, iOS and web platforms. Through these efforts, NBT-India is dedicated to fostering a love for reading, supporting intellectual growth, and positioning literature as a vital tool for empowerment and national development.

AABP: Finally, in your opinion, what is the most effective way to cultivate a reading habit in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world?

Yuvraj: In today’s technology-driven world, cultivating a reading habit requires a multifaceted approach. Leveraging digital platforms like the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya can make reading more accessible, especially to younger audiences. Moreover, promoting reading as a creative and interactive activity through workshops, storytelling sessions, and literary festivals can help foster a lifelong love for books. Ensuring that literature is available in multiple languages, both digitally and in print, is key to making reading an enjoyable and enriching experience.

AABP: Anything else you would like to add…

Yuvraj: Books have always been a child’s best friend, shaping them into better individuals and positively impacting society at large. NBT-India recognizes this profound truth and committed to leaving no stone unturned in rekindling the love for reading among children and the adults. By developing this vital habit, we aim to inspire a generation that not only appreciates literature but also recognizes it as a powerful catalyst for personal development,peer development and critical thinking. We believe that instilling a deep-seated love for reading will empower individuals to explore new ideas, embrace diverse perspectives, and become active participants in shaping a more informed and empathetic society.