The Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Arjun Singh has lauded the Frankfurt Book Fair as a great celebration of plurality, of linguistic diversity of mankind and of creativity, knowledge and wisdom. He was inaugurating the 58th Frankfurt Book Fair at Frankfurt, Germany today. Mrs Petra Roth, Lord Mayor of the City of Frankfurt, Dr. Frank Walter Steinmeier, German Foreign Minister, Minister of State, Head of Hessian State Chancellery, President of the German Publishes and Booksellers Association and noted Indian author Ms. Mahashweta Devi, were among those present.

He dwelt at length on the role of the books and its contribution in promoting justice, democracy and equality. Describing the book as one of the most revolutionary inventions of the millennium, Shri Arjun Singh asserted that if books are allowed to have their full impact – the whole earth could become, what one great seer of India called – a family. Speaking on India’s ancient civilization, he underlined its timeless nature and its abiding belief in the plurality of languages, faith and tradition. The Minister also recalled the contribution of scholars like Goethe and Max Mueller in bringing the philosophy and literary vision of India to the notice of the world through their translations.

The Frankfurt Book Fair is the largest congregation of publishing professionals from all over the world and provides an opportunity for the publishing industry to showcase the latest developments, share new concepts, exchange ideas and, of course, transact business. India is the Guest of Honour country for the 2006 Frankfurt Book Fair and the only country to be invited as the Guest of Honour twice, in the Fair’s 58 year old history.

More than 200 Indian publishers are participating in the specially created India National Pavilion. A big delegation of authors including well known names like Mahashweta Devi, Girish Karnad, Javed Akhtar, Namdeo Dhasal, Salma, Mamang Devi, Dilip Chitre are also at Frankfurt to participate in the fair and interact with the audience at reading sessions.

As the Guest of Honour at this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair, the Indian contingent has planned a wide spectrum of activities revolving the central theme “Today’s India”. A number of events including a rare display of Manuscripts, a photographic exhibition, an exhibition of Amrita Shergil paintings, an exhibition of more than 43 Indian films of various genres including contemporary Bollywood, classics as well as documentaries and a seminar on India on the Rise are part of the planned activities. Drama performances by Habib Tanvir’s troupe, a rare exhibition of Amrita Shergill’s paintings and live demonstrations of Indian Yoga and culinary skills are part of the scheduled programmes.

With more than 7,000 exhibitors from 111 countries, the fair is estimated to attract 2,80,000 visitors.

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