Team Blitz India
With an estimated value of US$12 billion and maintaining an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19% India is set to be the world’s largest market for books and the publishing industry. The policy initiatives by the Government of India have created a multifold increase in demand for trade books and digital books in addition to print books. The government has made a budgetary provision for $6 billion for setting up 200,000 community libraries across the country. This initiative will give a major boost to the trade books’ segment.
The other flagship programme of the Government, a National Digital Library for Children and Adolescents was launched by Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Education, and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Govt. of India at the inauguration ceremony of NDWBF 2024. This initiative is going to be a game changer in the field of digital subscription and production of books. Rashtriya e- Pustakalya (National Digital Library) managed by National Book Trust, India will provide digital reading material, primarily storybooks, novels and other reading materials in 22 Indian languages and in English to the subscribers.
New Delhi World Book Fair 2024: Hub of the Multilingual Publishing World
‘Multilingual India – A Living Tradition’ as the theme for the NDWBF 24 has been a guiding light for the publishers across the globe on how publishing in local languages and dialects is the key to revive the publishing industry.
Aligned with the trilingual formula of National Education Policy 2020, India rises as a premier market for multilingual books and cross-cultural collaborations. With over 1.5 million schools and over 55,100 institutions of higher education, there is a huge demand of text books and scientific books which constitutes of more than 93% market share of $12 billion market of publishing in India. The emphasis of National Education Policy 2020 on publishing books in Indian languages and in bilingual format has already generated a huge demand for text books in Indian languages, where not only printing but the entire ecosystem of publishing including translations, editing, designing, sales and distribution has flourished.
The National Education Policy has also created a demand for classics as well as language learning books in foreign languages, such as Korean, Japanese, Thai, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian, with its inclusion in the secondary level schooling system, for students to learn about the cultures of the world. The 70 million students registered at the Secondary level provides for an excellent opportunity for foreign language publishers in India.
To explore the immense potential of foreign language learning market in India, Mr. Antonio María Ávila, Executive Director, Federación de Gremios de Editores de España and Ms. Esther Franch, Copyright Manager, Grupo Anaya from Spain were on a three days’ study mission at NDWBF 2024, where they interacted with students, language teachers from schools and universities in addition to the meetings with the Spanish language publishers in India.
The 10th edition of the New Delhi Rights Table (NDRT), A Global Copyright Exchange Forum witnessed participation from over 40 participating countries and featured more than 500 scheduled meetings, including notable representatives from United Kingdom, Argentina, Spain, France, Turkey, Iran, Italy, UAE, Nepal, Bangladesh, and more. Inaugural session of the NDRT was addressed by Mr. Gareth Rapley, Director – London Book Fair, and Ms. Elena Pasoli, Director – Bologna Children’s Book Fair, Ms. Jacks Thomas, Guest Director- Bologna BookPlus along with Prof Milind Marathe, Chairman NBT-India.
Mr. Gareth Rapley spoke about the great tradition of publishing and literature in India reflected at the New Delhi World Book Fair, with an impressive number of participation from publishers and readers. While informing about the new dates of the London Book Fair, scheduled for 12- 14 March 2024, he emphasized the importance of partnership with National Book Trust, India and how Indian publishers can explore immense business opportunities at the London Book Fair, especially in copyrights and licensing for the English-speaking market. He also elaborated on how the changing patterns and channels of storytelling provide opportunities for the publishing industry beyond books in TV, films, and podcasts, among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director of National Book Trust, India highlighted on the importance of strategic collaborations between book fairs, illustrators, and publishers, emphasizing how these partnerships can help the publishing industry grow globally. While discussing the importance of translations, he informed about the growing demand for content in different Indian languages and the opportunity for global publishers in this market. Mr. Malik mentioned that many government bodies, including National Book Trust India (the nodal body for the promotion of books and reading in India), offer financial assistance to publishers for translations.”
The first-time display of India’s National Stand at Frankfurt Book Fair 2023 has paved the way for enhanced international collaborations, providing a unique platform for Indian publishers, authors, and illustrators to connect globally. The Indian Stand at LBF 2024 will be a central hub for collaboration, cultural exchange, and showcasing the vast potential of Indian publishing. The event promises engaging sessions, discussions, and the unveiling of the latest works, reinforcing India’s dynamic role in the global literary arena.”
Yuvraj Malik Director, National Book Trust, India
Guest of Honour Country at New Delhi World Book Fair, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia showcased its Literary and Cultural Heritage at the New Delhi World Book Fair. Several Saudi entities, led by its Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission participated in the fair. The display of books and manuscripts at the pavilion introduced the ancient cultural heritage of the Kingdom to the fair’s visitors. Dialogues and discussions at the International Events corner focused on the collaboration in publishing, cinema, and translation fields.
