September 29, 2025, was a truly memorable evening for all of us at the Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP). Standing amidst the country’s most passionate publishers, authors, printers, and creative professionals at The Taj Mahal, New Delhi, I was reminded once again of the power of books — and the people who make them.
The 45th Annual Awards for Excellence in Book Production organised by FIP marked yet another milestone in our journey to celebrate the best of Indian publishing. What began over four decades ago as an initiative to recognise exceptional craftsmanship has grown into a national platform that sets benchmarks for quality, design, and innovation in book production.
Every year, these Awards reaffirm a simple yet profound truth — that publishing is an art as much as it is a science. From paper selection and printing to typography, layout, and readability, every element tells a story of dedication, creativity, and precision.
This year, we were overwhelmed by the response from publishers across India. The entries reflected the sheer diversity of our publishing landscape — from educational titles and children’s books to literature, reference works, and design-led projects. Each submission was a window into the imagination and skill that define the heartbeat of Indian publishing.
We were deeply honoured to have Prof. J.S. Rajput, Former Director of NCERT, and Dr. K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary of Sahitya Akademi, as our Chief Guests. Their words beautifully captured the spirit of the evening — reminding us that books remain central to education, knowledge, and cultural identity.
As I shared during my address that evening,
“The publishing industry today stands at the intersection of tradition and technology. These Awards showcase how publishers are embracing new possibilities while retaining the timeless art of book production.”
It is this balance — between the classic and the contemporary — that makes Indian publishing so unique. And as the General Secretary of FIP, I take immense pride in witnessing how our community continues to innovate while honouring the legacy of print.
Beyond the celebrations, the Awards embody FIP’s larger mission: to strengthen the publishing ecosystem, advocate for policies that protect copyright, promote a reading culture, and represent Indian publishing globally. As the only body affiliated with the International Publishers Association, Geneva, FIP stands as the unified voice of more than 80% of Indian publishers — a responsibility we carry with deep commitment and pride.
As the ceremony concluded and the applause faded, what stayed with me was a profound sense of optimism. The winners may have taken home trophies, but every participant contributed to something far greater — a shared vision for excellence and the continued growth of Indian publishing.
Because to me, publishing has never been just about books.
It’s about shaping ideas, amplifying voices, and igniting imagination. It’s about creating a more informed, inspired, and inclusive world. The publishing industry is, and will always remain, the backbone of a literate society and a catalyst for knowledge, progress, and social change.
As we close this chapter and look ahead, I feel deeply inspired by the passion and resilience that drive our industry. Here’s to more stories, more innovation, and more milestones — as we continue to take Indian publishing to new heights, together.
