Actress and MP Hema Malini releasing the book Krishna Bhakti Pad at the ongoing World Book Fair in Bharat Mandapam along with poet Das Narayan, Deepali Vashishtha and publisher Arun Maheshwari. Dhruv Kumar
Sanjeev Gupta, New Delhi. Not only common people but also special people are reaching the World Book Fair going on in Bharat Mandapam with great interest. It seems that everyone wants to take a dip in the ocean of knowledge. Families, students, readers and young visitors start gathering from early morning itself, turning the fair into a vibrant public celebration of books and ideas.
Many celebrities including Smriti Irani, Hema Malini included
Among the prominent people who visited the book fair on Monday were Indian Armed Forces Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, actress and MP Hema Malini and former Union Minister Ms Smriti Irani. Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan visited the fair and visited the theme pavilion dedicated to Indian Military History: Valor and Intelligence @75. During his visit, he also visited the concept wall.
Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Smriti Irani participating in the special session of the Bharat Sahitya Mahotsav in the theme pavilion of the World Book Fair. Awakening
In the theme pavilion itself, Smriti Irani expressed her views on leadership, public service and the journey from grassroots level participation to national responsibility. Senior BJP leader, former Union Minister and eminent speaker Smriti Irani participated in a special session of the Bharat Sahitya Mahotsav. He said that for the first time in the history of the book fair, philosophy and bravery are being celebrated together.
Book lovers viewing books at the ongoing World Book Fair in Bharat Mandapam. Dhruv Kumar
He described it as a unique confluence of literature and technology. He emphasized that literature and content are not mere means of reading, but powerful mediums that teach new ways of understanding and living life. He also said that even though the patterns of content consumption may have changed, the power and relevance of ideas remains unchanged.
The book 'Krishna Bhakti Pad' written by Kavivar Das Narayan and edited by Dr. Umesh Chandra Sharma was unveiled in the presence of Hema Malini in the theme pavilion itself. Arun Maheshwari, Chairman and Managing Director of Vani Prakashan Group and Aditi Maheshwari, Chief Executive Officer of Vani Prakashan Group were also present in the "Krishna Bhakti Pad of Kavi Das Narayan" in the role of management. While Hema was present as the chief guest.
He said that this is not just the release of a book, but a celebration of devotional poetry and spiritual experience. He said that this work carries forward a rich tradition whose roots can be seen in poets like Surdas and Mirabai. He also recited some lines of Bhakti Rasa.
Literary activities also continue
Describing herself as a 'Pink Feminist', with a balance of humor and powerful social messages, renowned Hindi writer Mamta Kalia called on women to write fearlessly on their rights, resistance and life experiences. She was participating in the discussion focused on the book 'Naya Nari Vimarsh' organized at the Writers' Forum. Delhi University professor Dr. Balwant Kaur also participated in the discussion, who praised Mamta Kalia's literary journey and underlined the development of her feminist ideas.
On the third day of the fair, Kidz Express took children on a tour of the world of stories, characters and creativity. More than 2,500 children enthusiastically participated in various interesting and educational activities throughout the day.
Hall no. Bhavana Shekhar's book 'Moh Moh ke Dhaage' and 'Saat Yashasvi Balak' were released at the stall of Prabhat Prakashan in 5th. Ambreen Zaidi's book The Silent Warrior and Kumud Sharma's Hindi Literature's Vivad Samvad were also released. Prabhat Kumar was also present during this period.
Rights Table 2026 launched in the book fair
New Delhi Rights Table (NDRT), the premier B2B initiative organized under the World Book Fair 2026, was launched at Bharat Mandapam on Monday. Run by the National Book Trust (NBT) India under the Ministry of Education, this platform is being considered an important step towards establishing India as an important center of global publishing trade and rights exchange.
According to information received from NBT, it has been specially designed as a structured business platform for professional publishers. 85 publishers are participating in it, including about 40 foreign publishers. On this occasion, NBT Director Yuvraj Malik said that India will present its multilingual publishing tradition through a 3,000 square meter pavilion as the guest country in the upcoming Bogota International Book Fair, Colombia.