40th International Kolkata Book Fair announces Bolivia as Focal Theme Country

President of Publishers and Booksellers Guild Ashok Narayan Barman, director of the guild Sudhangshu Dey and general secretary of Publishers and Booksellers Guild Tridib Chatterjee were present at the event.

The logo of the International Kolkata Book Fair was also unveiled at the event here.

The general secretary of Publishers and Booksellers Guild Tridib Chatterjee said, "The 40th IKBF will be inaugurated on January 25 in 2016 at Milan Mela ground in the presence of Honorable chief minister Mamata Banerjee. The objective of the upcoming IKBF is to re-establish a contact with children by encouraging student participation in a wide range of activities initiated to revive the splendor and glory of the festival."

"The 40th IKBF will witness highest number of national participation along with glorified presence of many foreign countries – making it a culturally diverse event. France had initially confirmed its participation in International Kolkata Book Fair 2016 as the focal theme country. However, in September they withdrew their participation due to shortcomings from their end. After their withdrawal, Bolivia came forward and confirmed their presence as Focal Theme Country. We have always been overwhelmed with the support and contribution made by book lovers, Embassies, book sellers and publishers and look forward to another successful innings for the most sought after event hosted by the cultural capital of the world," Chatterjee further said.

There will also have a special appearance of Spain in the 40th IKBF, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relationship between India and Spain. Besides that Vietnam will participate in the book fair as the special Guest of Honor country, celebrating 40 years of Vietnam War.

Like 39th IKBF, Publishers and Booksellers Guild will arrange free Wifi service inside Milan Mela premises during the 12-day-long book festival in 2016 too.

The guild is also planning to arrange free transport facility for the book lovers, from Milan Mela to Park Circus, in the 40th IKBF.

The 40th International Kolkata Book Fair will witness the presence of few new countries like Guatemela, Norway and China, organizers said.

Meanwhile, the Publishers and Booksellers Guild on Tuesday also announced that the third edition of Kolkata Literature Festival (KLF), a combination of distinguished writers, directors, historians, authors, theatre personalities, sports personalities, celebrities, film personalities and poets,will be held from Feb 4 to 6 at Milan Mela premises.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha, Image: IBNS)