Scores of visitors flock to India Pavilion at SIBF

The India Pavilion at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is emerging as a major attraction for Indian expatriates, drawing scores of visitor daily. With publishers from across India showcasing a diverse collection of books, the pavilion has brought a distinct Indian flavour to the international literary event.

From popular Indian writers to a wide range of literary offerings, the India Pavilion is providing book lovers in the UAE with a valuable opportunity to explore India’s rich and diverse publishing landscape. The enthusiastic response from the Indian community reflects the enduring bond between expatriates and Indian literature, proving that even miles away from home, the love for books and the written word remains strong.

Among the many stalls at the India Pavilion, the National Book Trust of India (NBT) is particularly prominent, attracting book lovers with its rich collection of Indian literature. A regular participant at the SIBF, NBT has been playing an important role in taking Indian books and literary works to readers across the world. Its presence at SIBF offers Indian expatriates an opportunity to explore a wide range of publications while staying connected to the literary heritage of their homeland.

The shelves at the NBT stall are adorned with an impressive selection of books spanning history, literature, philosophy, culture and wellness. Among the titles catching the attention of visitors are “Museums of India,” “A Quest for Freedom,” “Selected Stories of Amrita Pritam,” “Pushkin’s Last Poem,” “Grow With Yoga,” “Man Against Myth” and “Sri Aurobindo.” The diverse collection reflects the richness of India’s literary and intellectual traditions, offering something for readers of different interests and age groups.

Rakesh Kumar, a senior official with the NBT, said the SIBF is much more than an international literary gathering. Having attended the fair for several years, he has developed a special affection for Sharjah and its commitment to promoting literature and reading culture.

Expressing his admiration for SIBF, Rakesh said, “I am in awe of SIBF. I have been coming here since 2019, and I am delighted to be here once again. I go to places like London, Mexico, China and Sri Lanka, but at the SIBF, I don’t feel like I am outside my country. I love the fact that the Sharjah Government pays so much attention to the development of art, culture and literature.”

Rakesh is equally delighted with the response from visitors at the NBT stall. He said, “the interest in Indian publications extends well beyond the Indian community, with visitors from different nationalities showing considerable enthusiasm for the books on display.”

“Apart from Indian visitors, many people from other nationalities also show interest in our publications,” he said.

Sharing an interesting development in NBT’s participation, Rakesh revealed that the organisation began selling books directly from its stall only last year. The initiative has emerged as one of the major attractions for visitors this year as well. “We have started selling books at the stall from last year only, and that is a major attraction this year too,” he said.

Beyond his professional association with the world of publishing, Rakesh has a creative side. He is also a published poet and has authored a book of poetry in Hindi. His interest in poetry dates back to his college days and has remained an integral part of his life ever since. “I developed an interest in poetry during my college days, and since then it has stayed with me,” he recalled. An academically accomplished individual, Rakesh holds postgraduate degrees in two subjects, reflecting his keen interest in learning and intellectual pursuits.

Sharing his perspective on the impact of the digital revolution on the publishing industry, Rakesh dismissed the notion that technological advancements have undermined the popularity of printed books. Instead, he believes digital technology has complemented traditional publishing and opened up new avenues for readers and publishers alike.