Every edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair carries its own energy, but the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 felt particularly momentous. Held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, the fair was not merely a celebration of books; it was a powerful convergence of ideas, people, policy, culture and the evolving future of publishing. For me, as a publisher and as someone deeply involved in shaping industry dialogue, this edition was both professionally fulfilling and personally inspiring.
As Managing Director of Prints Publications, Vice President of The Federation of Indian Publishers, General Secretary of IRRO, the fair offered a rare opportunity to engage with the ecosystem from multiple vantage points: Publishers, Authors, Readers, Policy Partners, and Industry Advocates.
Building Industry Bridges Through the FIP IRRO Networking Soirée
One of the defining moments of the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 was the Networking Soirée hosted by FIP IRRO held at the Taj Ambassador. I am proud to organise this significant event, which created a space for meaningful engagement beyond formal panels. The evening brought together publishers, policymakers, creators and thinkers. Conversations ranged from artificial intelligence and copyright to the future of education publishing and the economics of sustainability.
A particularly memorable moment was the fireside conversation with UstadMa Zila Khan Ji, whose reflections on creative music, reading, and the human spirit reminded us that, while technology evolves, the soul of creativity remains deeply human. The launch of Geopolitics of Princely State Manipur by Shri Rajkumar Ranjan Singh added intellectual depth to the evening, underscoring the enduring relevance of serious scholarship in publishing.
CEOSpeak 2026 Conversations That Matter
Another highlight of the fair was the CEO Speaker’s Chairman’s Breakfast organised by the National Book Trust India. I was honoured to moderate the panel discussion titled Decoding the Future of Publishing. Sharing the stage with global publishing leaders from Japan, Israel, Spain, Qatar, and India reinforced an essential truth: while markets differ, the core questions facing publishing today are universal.
We discussed digital transformation, international rights flows, policy frameworks, artificial intelligence and changing reader behaviour. What resonated most was the shared belief that publishing is ultimately a human endeavour anchored in trust, creativity and responsibility. As an Indian publisher, it was encouraging to see global peers recognise India not only as a fast-growing market but also as a thought leader in multilingual inclusive publishing.
India Book Market Report 2026 to 2030: From Vision to Engagement
As Project Director of the India Book Market Report 2026 to 2030, the World Book Fair marked an important phase in how we shared the report’s vision and purpose with the publishing community and the wider public.
The first presentation took place during the FIP IRRO Networking Soirée, where I formally introduced the scope, intent and long-term significance of the report. I spoke about its focus on print and digital market trends, the impact of artificial intelligence, education, publishing, copyright frameworks, and the broader policy environment shaping the Indian book ecosystem. Mr Vikrant Mathur, Executive Director NielsenIQ BookData, complemented this session with data-driven insights, global benchmarks and growth projections, providing valuable international context.
Following this, the conversation continued through a crucial media interaction at the NielsenIQ BookData stand at the fair on Wednesday, the 14th of January 2026. Engaging with journalists and industry observers allowed us to communicate the report’s objectives more widely and respond to thoughtful questions on market size, growth opportunities, collaboration, and the future trajectory of Indian publishing. Together, these engagements reflected our belief that robust data and transparent dialogue are essential for informed decision-making and sustainable growth.
Prints Publications at the Fair Where Readers Meet Ideas
At the heart of my World Book Fair experience was the Prints Publications stall which truly came alive with readers scholars students and thinkers. From book launches to panel discussions, our space reflected our commitment to quality scholarship, relevance, and intellectual integrity.
One particularly meaningful moment was witnessing students from The Indian School interact with Shri Prafull Goradia Ji during the launch of Swami Vivekananda. Their curiosity and engagement reaffirmed why publishing matters not only as a commercial activity but as a bridge between generations of thought.
We were also honoured to host an insightful panel featuring senior fellows from the Vivekananda International Foundation discussing the national security journal and contemporary thought leadership. Such conversations underline the responsibility publishers carry in shaping informed public discourse.
Reading India Samvaad Access Dignity and Trust
Participating as a panellist at Reading India Samvaad 2026, organised by the National Book Trust India, was another meaningful engagement. Speaking on digital access and the Rashtriya e Pustakalaya I emphasised that access is not merely about technology but about dignity inclusion language and trust.
Publishers are strategic partners in nation-building. Artificial intelligence should amplify reading experiences, never replace them. Respect for creators, strong copyright protection, and responsible innovation are essential if the ecosystem is to thrive.
Learning Beyond Publishing
The fair also offered moments of inspiration beyond the publishing world. Meeting Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, IAF fighter pilot and Gaganyaan astronaut, was a reminder that leadership discipline and clarity of purpose transcend professional boundaries. Engaging with individuals from diverse domains enriches our own thinking and reinforces the value of lifelong learning.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, what stays with me is a sense of collective responsibility. Indian publishing is no longer at the margins of global conversations. We are central to them. But leadership demands more than growth. It demands integrity, collaboration, and long-term vision.
The fair reaffirmed my commitment to contributing meaningfully to this ecosystem through Prints Publications, the Federation of Indian Publishers, and IRRO, and through initiatives like the India Book Market Report. The future of publishing will be shaped not just by technology or markets but by the choices we make today.
New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 was not just an event. It was a reminder of why books and those who create, publish, and protect them continue to matter deeply in our society.
