International Kolkata Book Fair 2017: Focal theme country Costa Rica

The International Kolkata Book Fair, in its 41st year, is scheduled for inauguration on Jan 25 at Kolkata's Milan Mela (fair ground opposite Science City) in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other renowned guests.

Tridib Chatterjee, General Secretary of Publishers and Bookseller Guild said, “International Kolkata Book Fair 2017 is extremely honored to have Costa Rica as the focal theme country. This is the only country in the world that does not have a national army and contributes the money for education. It is called the world’s hummingbird capital with 52 different species of the bird found here. We are looking forward to have a grand presence of this beautiful country.”

Russia, celebrating 70 years of the country's diplomatic relationship with India, will have a special presence at IKBF2017.

Besides, UK, USA, France, China, Japan, Vietnam, 11 Latin American countries and Bangladesh will also be present at the book fair.

Publishers from many Indian states, including Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Telengana, Punjab, Kerala, and Delhi, are joining IKBF2017, the organisers said.

Among the side events, the fourth Kolkata Literature Festival (KLF) will be held from Feb 2 to 4, 2017.

Asked how IKBF 2017 will handle the issue of  demonetisation and resulting cash crunch, Chatterjee said, "There will be no problem regarding purchasing of books because we will be introducing mobile ATMs. 14 to 15 ATMs are expected to be set up at the fair. We also welcome the use of e-wallets. The use of card-swiping machines will also be encouraged.”

(Reporting by Camellia Chatterjee)

Images: IKBF Facebook