During his visit, Shri Shah interacted with students, authors and publishers present at the fair, which is jointly organised by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and the National Book Trust (NBT). He visited stalls showcasing a wide range of literature, regional publications and initiatives aimed at promoting reading habits among children and youth.
Reading as personality and skill development
In a post on the social platform X, Shri Shah reiterated his belief that reading shapes character and strengthens intellect. He highlighted that exposure to diverse genres, from literature and poetry to folk traditions and contemporary non-fiction, helps youngsters cultivate critical thinking, empathy and communication skills — qualities essential for personal and professional growth.
Festival of ideas: programs and performances
The Ahmedabad International Book Fair features a packed schedule of literary programmes, folk-song performances, poetry recitations and a start-up forum. Organisers said these events are designed to connect traditional storytelling with modern creative industries and to provide emerging authors and entrepreneurs a platform to reach wider audiences.
Focus on children and youth
A dedicated children’s pavilion and several interactive sessions aim to make reading attractive and accessible. Shri Shah’s distribution of books to children underlined the fair’s focus on early literacy and the organisers’ efforts to promote libraries, reading circles and school outreach programmes across Gujarat.
Promotion of regional literature and languages
The fair also places special emphasis on regional and vernacular literature. Exhibitors from different states showcased works in local languages, folk traditions and regional histories, reinforcing the event’s role in preserving linguistic diversity and nurturing local publishing ecosystems.
Start-up forum and skill development
A start-up forum within the fair brings together literary tech start-ups, publishers and content creators exploring new models for content distribution, audiobooks and digital reading platforms. Shri Shah noted that such collaborations can create skill development opportunities for youth, especially in content creation, tech-enabled publishing and creative entrepreneurship.
Organisers and civic partnership
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and the National Book Trust are the principal organisers, with support from local cultural bodies and educational institutions. The fair aims to combine civic engagement with cultural programming to make literature a continuing part of community life in Ahmedabad and beyond.
Why book fairs matter
Beyond sales and signings, book fairs create public spaces for dialogue, imagination and learning. They bring authors into conversation with readers, expose children to a world of ideas and create pathways for new writers and publishers to enter the cultural mainstream.
For more information on the Ahmedabad International Book Fair and the National Book Trust’s programmes, visit the National Book Trust and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation portals.