Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta today inaugurated the 29th Delhi Book Fair 2025 with great enthusiasm and pride at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan (Hall Nos. 12 and 12A). Organised by the Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP) and the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), this grand annual event is being held from 6th to 10th August, in collaboration with the Delhi Government.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister expressed her delight at the enduring interest of young people in books, even in the age of digitisation. “It is heartening to see that the digital revolution has not diminished our youth’s love for books. This passion for reading and knowledge will be the foundation of India’s journey towards becoming a Vishwaguru,” she stated.
Also present was Delhi’s Cabinet Minister for Art, Culture and Languages, Kapil Mishra, who described the fair as a confluence of knowledge, creativity, and expression. He emphasised that under the leadership of CM Rekha Gupta, the Delhi Government is committed to establishing the city as the cultural and literary capital of the nation.
This year, the Book Fair has been expanded to include the 25th Stationery Fair and the 9th Office Automation and Corporate Gifts Fair, transforming the event into a comprehensive forum for literary, educational, commercial, and creative exchange.
In her keynote address, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the Book Fair as a deeply emotional experience. “Books are life’s truest and most selfless companions — they ask for nothing and offer everything. This fair is a celebration of that timeless friendship,” she said.
She further reflected, “Books are not merely collections of printed pages; they are guiding lights that shape generations. The Delhi Book Fair is not just an event — it is a cultural legacy that binds memories across generations.”
Calling upon students, parents, and the wider public to embrace the culture of reading, the Chief Minister urged everyone to foster a lifelong relationship with books and thanked the organisers for sustaining this rich tradition.
Sharing a personal anecdote, CM Rekha Gupta recalled receiving The Alchemist as a gift following the unexpected approval of a key project. A line from the book — “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it” — became a guiding principle in her life. “Every book,” she said, “is a journey — one that takes us closer to understanding ourselves.”
She also referenced literary classics like Godaan and Parineeta, observing that a true reader doesn’t just read characters but lives their experiences.
Delhi Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra echoed the Chief Minister’s sentiments, describing the Book Fair as a “literary Kumbh” — a grand convergence of ideas, culture, and intellect. He thanked the Chief Minister for providing Delhi with leadership that values not only administrative efficiency but also cultural consciousness.
He also cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “knowledge-based society,” noting that books impart not just information but values — a philosophy fully embraced by the Delhi Government.
Kapil Mishra proposed transforming future editions of the Book Fair into full-fledged Literary Festivals, creating platforms for poets, authors, students, and literature enthusiasts to engage in meaningful dialogue and creative collaboration.
Further, he announced that Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has approved a historic budget for the Department of Art, Culture and Languages this year — the positive effects of which will soon be evident across Delhi’s cultural landscape.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by ITPO Chairman Pradeep Singh Kharola and other distinguished guests
