One of the most awaited book events of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and the Federation of India Publishers (FIP), the 26^th edition of Delhi Book Fair with its concurrent events, the 22^nd Stationery Fair and 6^th Office Automation Fair and Corporate Gift Fair 2022, began at Pragati Maidan here on Friday after a gap of three years in physical mode. Events are open from 22-26 December 2022 from 10 am to 6 pm daily.

Pradeep Singh Kharola, IAS, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), ITPO, Ramesh K Mittal, President, FIP, lighted the ceremonial lamp to inaugurate the events. Present on the occasion were Mathura Prasad, Executive Director, ITPO, Ashok Gupta, Honorary Secretary, FIP, BK Dubey, General Manager, ITPO and Hema Maity, General Manager, ITPO, participants, delegates and media persons.

Speaking to the media, Pradeep Singh Kharola acknowledged the efforts of FIP for organizing this fair after a gap of three years in physical mode. He said that the digital revolution has made an impact on reading habits but books are a source of information, a source of motivation and so on. Books are also a big treasure and have taken digital form too. “We expect a large number of visitors in the coming days as ITPO and FIP have made great efforts in organizing this exhibition,” he said.

He said that the books would remain meaningful despite their digital versions. He informed that elaborate efforts have been made to invite schools and colleges for their visits. In view to promote the industry and encourage the reading habit in gen next, ITPO has taken the decision to provide free entry for the students in the fair, he added.

Ramesh K Mittal, President, FIP, proudly said that both India Trade Promotion Organisation and FIP have been working hard and moving together since 1995 to organize this premier annual event for the book lovers and the Indian Publishing fraternity and now this fair has become a premier big event of the country. He also complimented ITPO for selecting the theme of this fair as ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – and Pragati Yatra – A tour of Pragati Maidan Redevelopment Plan.’

Around 100 leading companies from India have participated in these fairs. Delhi Book Fair and its allied events have been organized in Hall 3 and 4 (New Halls), Pragati Maidan. Various ancillary programs are also scheduled to be held during the currency of the fairs. Visitor entry is free from Gate No.4 and 10. The shuttle service is available from Bhairon Road parking and Gate No.10. Events are open from 22-26 December, 2022 from 10 am to 6 pm daily, said ITPO in a statement.