‘Books are lifelong companions,’ says CM Rekha Gupta at Delhi Book Fair launch

The 29th Delhi Book Fair 2025 was inaugurated today by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, here.

The book fair organised by the Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP) and the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) in collaboration with Delhi Government, is being held in Hall Nos. 12 and 12A of the venue. It will culminate on 10th August.

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This year, the Book Fair has been expanded to include the 25th Stationery Fair and the 9th Office Automation and Corporate Gifts Fair, transforming the event into a comprehensive forum for literary, educational, commercial, and creative exchange.

Addressing the gathering, Gupta expressed her delight at the enduring interest of young people in books, even in the age of digitisation. “It is heartening to see that the digital revolution has not diminished our youth’s love for books. This passion for reading and knowledge will be the foundation of India’s journey towards becoming a Vishwaguru,” she stated.

“Books are life’s truest and most selfless companions — they ask for nothing and offer everything. This fair is a celebration of that timeless friendship,” she said.

She further reflected, “Books are not merely collections of printed pages; they are guiding lights that shape generations. The Delhi Book Fair is not just an event — it is a cultural legacy that binds memories across generations.”

Calling upon students, parents, and the wider public to embrace the culture of reading, the Chief Minister urged everyone to foster a lifelong relationship with books and thanked the organisers for sustaining this rich tradition.

Delhi’s Cabinet Minister for Art, Culture and Languages, Kapil Mishra, described the fair as a confluence of knowledge, creativity, and expression. He emphasised that under the leadership of CM Rekha Gupta, the Delhi Government is committed to establishing the city as the cultural and literary capital of the nation.

Describing the Book Fair as a “literary Kumbh”, a grand convergence of ideas, culture, and intellect, Mishra thanked the Chief Minister for providing Delhi with leadership that values not only administrative efficiency but also cultural consciousness.

Mishra proposed transforming future editions of the Book Fair into full-fledged Literary Festivals, creating platforms for poets, authors, students, and literature enthusiasts to engage in meaningful dialogue and creative collaboration.