Javaid Jawad
“In a world dominated by screens and speed, the fair demonstrated that books still offer depth, patience, and thoughtful engagement.”
On 16 January 2026, the expansive grounds of Bharat Mandapam, located near the Supreme Court of India, pulsed with life as the 53rd World Book Fair unfolded in all its vibrancy. Held from 10 to 18 January, the fair emerged not merely as a marketplace for books but as a grand celebration of ideas, languages, cultures, and the enduring human relationship with the written word.
This year’s edition witnessed participation from nearly one thousand publishers representing around thirty-five countries. With close to three thousand stalls spread across multiple halls, the fair offered books in dozens of languages and across a breathtaking range of subjects—literature, science, history, philosophy, children’s writing, academic research, and popular non-fiction. According to the organisers, nearly two million people visited the fair over the course of nine days, a figure that itself challenges the often-repeated claim that reading is in decline.
I visited the fair in the company of two colleagues, and wherever we went, every hall appeared brimming with visitors. The diversity of the crowd was striking. Children, youth, elders, men and women from different backgrounds moved from stall to stall, browsing, discussing, and purchasing books. Schoolchildren in neat uniforms mingled with scholars, students, and families. Conversations floated through the air in Hindi, Urdu, English, and several other Indian and foreign languages, lending the fair an atmosphere that was both lively and deeply inclusive. It felt less like a commercial event and more like a shared intellectual gathering—a true confluence of cultures and ideas.
One of the most heartening sights was found in the sections dedicated to children’s literature. At several stalls, young writers—some no older than thirteen or fourteen—were confidently engaging with readers. They spoke articulately about their writing journeys, reading habits, and the kinds of stories that resonate with children today. Parents and visitors listened with keen interest, asking questions and encouraging these budding authors. Watching these interactions, one could not help but feel reassured that the younger generation still maintains a strong and meaningful connection with books, imagination, and learning.
Our particular interest in Urdu literature led us to Hall No. 6, where the stall of Anjuman-e-Urdu drew a steady stream of visitors. One of my companions, Mushtaq Sahib, selected an Urdu book for his daughter, who is pursuing postgraduate studies in Botany. This small yet significant moment underscored an important truth—that regional and classical languages continue to have relevance, even within higher education and scientific disciplines. In the same hall, a discussion on Urdu literature was underway, attracting an attentive audience. Among those seated in the front row was a young man from Kashmir, listening with quiet concentration. Later, we learned that he was Muzammil Sahib, the younger brother of noted writer, columnist, and social activist Dr. Maroof Shah. Such encounters highlighted how literary spaces continue to nurture intergenerational and interregional connections.
Our exploration also took us to international stalls. At the Qatar stall, however, books were not the central attraction. Instead, a long queue of visitors immediately caught our attention. Several individuals dressed in traditional Arab attire were present, and one man was seated gracefully, writing exquisite Arabic calligraphy. Each piece was carefully crafted and distributed to those waiting in line. The stall became a space where art, language, and cultural exchange converged. Many visitors eagerly posed for photographs with the Qatari participants, who welcomed everyone with warmth and generosity. One of our companions, Mr. Rashid, also wished to have his photograph taken with them, and I captured the moment on my mobile phone—a small memory of a larger cultural experience.
In an age dominated by computers, smartphones, the internet, and social media, it is frequently argued that books are losing their relevance. The World Book Fair, however, told a very different story. The sheer scale of participation and the enthusiasm of visitors across age groups made it clear that reading continues to hold a central place in people’s lives. Throughout the day, one could see individuals patiently browsing shelves, attending literary discussions, interacting with authors, and carrying bags filled with books.
The fair stood as powerful evidence that books are still trusted sources of knowledge, reflection, and pleasure. For many, they remain companions that offer depth in a world increasingly driven by speed and surface-level engagement. More importantly, the presence of children and young readers suggested that the love for books is not fading but being consciously passed on to the next generation.
Beyond buying and selling, the World Book Fair functioned as a celebration of curiosity, critical thinking, and shared human experience. It reminded us that as long as people continue to read, question, and imagine, books will never lose their relevance. In the midst of rapid technological change, the fair reaffirmed a timeless truth: while formats may evolve, the written word remains one of humanity’s most enduring and enriching creations.
Author is a Best Teacher Awardee from Bandipora
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