Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Opens New Delhi World Book Fair 2026
Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates the 53rd New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 at Bharat Mandapam.
The New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 was inaugurated on Saturday at Bharat Mandapam by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Addressing the gathering, Pradhan described the fair as more than a marketplace for books, calling it a celebration of ideas, dialogue, and creativity that brings together authors, publishers, and readers from across the world.
Held continuously for the past 53 years, the New Delhi World Book Fair has evolved into one of the most prestigious and reliable platforms in the global publishing ecosystem. Over the decades, it has played a vital role in nurturing India’s reading culture while strengthening the country’s presence in the international book trade.
Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, Pradhan said, “There is nothing more sacred in this world than knowledge,” and emphasized that books serve as carriers of India’s ancient knowledge traditions. He noted that books connect generations, preserve civilizational memory, and guide societies toward progress, making the fair India’s largest public festival dedicated to reading and learning.
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Highlighting the scale of the 2026 edition, the Minister said the fair is witnessing participation from over 2 million readers, more than 50 countries, and over 1,000 publishers across 3,000 stalls. With more than 600 literary and educational programmes scheduled, he described the event as the world’s largest business-to-consumer book fair.
Pradhan further stated that India has emerged as the world’s third-largest hub for publishing and book trade. He attributed this growth to the country’s linguistic diversity, rich intellectual heritage, and the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, which has empowered Indian authors, publishers, and regional languages to gain global recognition.
Emphasizing the importance of cultural institutions, the Education Minister highlighted the role of libraries and museums as pillars of civilizational memory. Citing institutions such as the National Library in Kolkata, Connemara Public Library in Chennai, and the Prime Minister’s Museum and Library in New Delhi, he remarked that understanding the past is essential to shaping the future, echoing the teachings of philosopher Confucius.
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