India's Pioneer Media on TradeFairs

46th International Kolkata Book Fair Sees Unprecedented Footfalls

Organized by the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, the 46th International Kolkata Book Fair saw unprecedented footfalls as city book lovers reeled back from COVID-19-induced setbacks.

Packed with author meetups, quizzes, and food stalls, there was something for everyone. TFT Correspondant Adrija Dasgupta spoke to Tridib Kumar Chatterjee, the General Secretary of the guild that organises the International Book Fair.

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TFT: Kindly introduce yourself to our readers.

TC: My name is Tridib Kumar Chatterjee. I am the General Secretary of the Publishers and Booksellers Guild.

 

TFT: Tell us something about your company, Publishers and Booksellers Guild.

TC: The Publishers and Booksellers Guild is an organization based out of Kolkata in India and was established in 1975. This institution is popularly associated with Kolkata Book Fair which is one of the largest and most attended book fairs in India.

 

TFT: Tell us something about the 46th International Kolkata Book Fair.

TC: The 46th International Kolkata Book Fair is one of the biggest in Eastern India and is held at Central Park Mela ground in Kolkata.

 

TFT: Which country is the main theme in 46th International Kolkata Book Fair?

TC: Spain is the main theme country in the 46th International Kolkata Book Fair.

 

TFT: What are the latest trends in the 46th International Kolkata Book Fair?

TC: This year’s book fair is expected to pamper book lovers, since it is seeing the highest number of book publishers and little magazines. This year, the organization has reduced the size of the stalls.

 

TFT: How many stalls are there in the 46th International Kolkata Book Fair?

TC: The Kolkata Book Fair this year has 900 stalls and more than 20 countries participating.

 

TFT: What new innovations can be seen in the 46th International Kolkata Book Fair?

TC: The Book Fair is organized by Publishers and Booksellers Guild. Additionally, Spanish Day will also be celebrated on February 7th, 2023.

 

TFT: What will be your advice for a sustainable and successful show?

TC: Staying true to commitments is the key to a successful and sustainable event.

 

According to reports, 11 lakh people visited the fair between Tuesday-Saturday. The turnout on Saturday alone was 4.5 lakh.