14th Delhi Book Fair draws to a close

New Delhi, Sep 7 (UNI) The 14th edition of the Delhi Book Fair concluded today with an emphasis on marketing books just the way other products are promoted.

''Book-selling requires the same marketing skills which are required for products like soaps and detergents,'' said Executive Director of India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) Rajiv Yadav at the valedictory ceremony here.

''Aggressive marketing is required which includes strategies like book launches and author's corner,'' he added.

Indian publishers would target the Frankfurt and London Book Fairs to attract more visitors and buyers from abroad, he said.

Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia University Mushir-ul-Hasan, who was the chief guest at the concluding ceremony, said,'' The Delhi Book Fair is a major event in the city which serves the interest of multitude of people fom various walks of life -- writers, readers, publishers, students and librarians.

He suggested that conferences or symposiums could be organised in universities on the theme of the book fair every year. ''This would help in generating the reading habit in the youth,'' he quipped.

Awards were also presented to the best stalls at the ceremony.

The Award for Best Display in Hindi Publisher category (Gold) was bagged by Geeta Press, Gorakhpur. The Silver and Bronze Awards in this category went to Brijwasi Art&Press and Rajpal&Sons.

Viva Books won the Award for Best Display in English Publisher category (Silver) and the Bronze Award in the same category was bagged by Har Anand Publications. No Gold Award was given in this category.

In the Regional Publisher category the Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards went to Dakshna, National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language and Shreya Publications.

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