Alongside the scale and vibrancy of the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, I felt a strong need to create a space where the publishing community could pause, connect, and engage in meaningful conversation. With that intent, the Federation of Indian Publishers and the Indian Reprographic Rights Organisation came together to host the FIP IRRO Networking Soirée on 10 January 2026 at the Taj Ambassador Hotel, New Delhi. As one of the organisers and the principal force behind this initiative, the evening was deeply personal and professionally rewarding for me.
The idea behind the Networking Soirée was simple yet purposeful. Publishing today is navigating rapid change driven by technology, evolving reader behaviour, and complex copyright questions. While conferences and panels are essential, there is equal value in informal spaces that encourage open dialogue, trust, and collaboration. The soirée was envisioned as such a platform where publishers, policymakers, creators, rights organisations, and industry partners could interact as peers.
The response from the publishing ecosystem was both overwhelming and affirming. The gathering brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from across India and abroad, and the atmosphere was marked by curiosity, warmth, and thoughtful exchange. Conversations flowed naturally from artificial intelligence and its implications for publishing to copyright protection, education markets, and the future sustainability of our industry.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the fireside interaction with UstadMa Zila Khan Ji on the theme Creativity at the Crossroads Music Reading and the Human Spirit in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. It was an honour to host her for this deeply moving conversation. Her reflections bridged tradition and innovation with remarkable clarity, reminding us that while tools and formats evolve, the essence of creativity remains profoundly human, rooted in emotion, memory, and lived experience. Her presence elevated the evening beyond industry dialogue into a cultural and philosophical reflection.
The soirée also marked the launch of the book Geopolitics of Princely State Manipur by Shri Rajkumar Ranjan Singh. The launch added intellectual depth to the gathering and reaffirmed the importance of serious scholarship and historical inquiry within the publishing landscape. Moments like these reinforce why publishing remains central to informed discourse and democratic thought.
As Project Director of the India Book Market Report 2026 to 2030, I also had the privilege of presenting the vision and scope of the report during the evening. I spoke about the need for credible data to guide decision-making and highlighted key areas, including print and digital trends, the impact of artificial intelligence, education publishing, and the policy environment shaping our markets. Mr Vikrant Mathur, Executive Director NielsenIQ BookData, complemented the presentation with data-driven insights and global perspectives, adding further value to the discussion.
Looking back, the FIP IRRO Networking Soirée was not just an event but a shared experience. It reaffirmed my belief that the future of publishing will be shaped as much by collaboration and trust as by innovation and scale. Creating this space for dialogue was a responsibility I was proud to shoulder and one that I hope will continue to inspire meaningful engagement within our industry in the years ahead.
