Kolkata, Oct. 14 -- The 50th International Kolkata Book Fair committee, which has introduced a fully digital stall allocation system, called to ensure transparency, alongside a stronger focus on environmental sustainability for its golden jubilee edition. The Publishers and Booksellers Guild has also promised improved facilities for washrooms and food areas at the venue. "The lack of space on the ground has always been an issue for us. But this time, we have gone fully digital for stall allocation to maintain transparency," said Tridib Kumar Chatterjee, general secretary, Guild.
On Wednesday, Guild members, along with members of the fair's advisory committee, including convenor Prasenjit Bakshi and member Anirban Ghosh, visited the fairground at Central Park in Karunamoyee, Salt Lake, to inspect the site.
The 50th edition of the Kolkata Book Fair will begin on January 22 and continue till February 3. Bakshi said the central theme of the golden jubilee edition would be the 150th anniversary of India's national song, Vande Mataram. The freedom movement, nationalism and the country's history will be among the key areas of focus. Chatterjee said the fair would also explore several crucial milestones in Bengal's cultural and political history in the following year. Bakshi said greater attention would be given to maintaining cleanliness and improving facilities in the washroom and food areas to make the fair more environmentally friendly. CM Suvendu Adhikari is expected to attend the inauguration on January 22 as the chief guest
Several new countries, including Italy, are expected to participate in the golden jubilee edition.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.