Kolkata, Oct. 11 -- Kolkata is gearing up for the 50th Book Fair in Salt Lake, with stall applications closing on October 15. Meanwhile, the Book Sellers Guild election on Monday assumes significance, as it will determine control of the book fair committee.
"Preparations for the next edition of the Kolkata International Book Fair are gathering pace, with the deadline for stall applications set for October 15. The process of allotting stalls will begin after applications are received, as we are planning a lottery to determine the allocation," said Prasenjit Bakshi, convenor of the committee. He said that new publishers can also apply and the modality of payment for stalls will be decided later, depending on the size of stalls.
Monday's Guild election is expected to draw attention, with incumbent secretary Tridib Chatterjee facing a contest from Anil Acharya. However, Sudhanshu De said that as president he is going to be elected uncontested.
The outcome could have a bearing on the Guild's leadership at a crucial stage of preparations for the fair.
Chatterjee said that whoever is elected secretary, Guild is going to play a pivotal role in the organisation of the fair.
A committee member said: "The application deadline marks an important milestone for publishers, booksellers and other participants seeking space at one of the country's biggest literary meet. The lottery-based allocation is expected to determine how exhibition space is distributed among applicants in a transparent manner."
This year's proposed themes are also likely to add an international and cultural dimension to the event, as Israel has been identified as the theme country, while 'Vande Mataram' will be the principal theme of the fair, placing the national song at the centre of its cultural focus.
The choice of Israel as the theme country could provide an opportunity to showcase its literary traditions, authors and publishing landscape to readers in Kolkata.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.