Hi dearest Nurhara,
I had the pleasure of visiting the New Delhi World Book Fair at the Bharat Mandapam Complex. This 52nd edition features participation from 52 countries and over 2,000 publishers. The ticket prices are quite reasonable—₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children. This year, the fair highlights international literary heritage, with a special exhibit dedicated to Russian literature. The theme for NDWBF 2025, Republic@75, celebrates 75 years of India as a Republic. Much like the Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF), NDWBF also has a Children’s Pavilion, encouraging young readers to develop a love for books. India remains one of the most successful nations in producing professionals across various fields, especially in technology.
I recently attended the Kolkata International Book Fair, though I was disappointed by Bangladesh’s absence this year, given its nearly three-decade-long participation. Nonetheless, the fair featured a diverse range of international publishers from countries such as Argentina, Spain, Peru, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and Nepal. With 1,050 publishers participating, the event is expecting 2.7 million visitors and projected book sales of ₹23 crore. In comparison, the Cairo International Book Fair attracts 1,345 publishing houses from 80 countries, with over 6,000 exhibitors. Last year, it attracted 5 million visitors in 12 days, setting a global benchmark and showing that reading remains strong in the smartphone era.
Studies indicate that children from wealthier families tend to develop stronger reading habits, giving them a distinct advantage over their peers from working-class backgrounds. While these families can afford books, parental involvement also plays a crucial role in fostering a love for reading. A review in the Bulletin of Education and Research highlights that parental education, reading support, and home literacy practices significantly shape children's reading habits. During my childhood, when books were costly, I often opted for second-hand ones as they were more affordable. I also frequented the public library to borrow books. These were the options that allowed me to keep reading, fueling my love for books.
Some of the most inspiring stories come from ordinary people who built libraries from discarded books. José Alberto Gutiérrez, a garbage truck worker in Colombia, and Sema Keskaya, a sanitation worker in Turkey, created free libraries for their communities using books that others had thrown away. It doesn’t matter what job you do—if you read, you are an intelligent person. Knowledge opens doors, broadens perspectives, and shapes the future. Unlike wealth, which can fade, knowledge remains invaluable. As the Quran states in Surah Al-'Alaq, the word Iqra means "Read" or "Recite," highlighting the deep significance of knowledge and lifelong learning in Islam. The more you seek knowledge, the more wisdom you gain.
My journey from Jaipur to New Delhi by train takes about five hours, and I truly enjoy the experience. Would you like to take a train trip in Jaipur next time? Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is steeped in history and architectural marvels. Some of its most iconic landmarks include Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Nahargarh Fort. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur became the capital of Rajasthan. Historically, it was a Rajput stronghold, with Rajput rulers maintaining control despite conflicts with the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughals. Jaipur continues to flourish as a top tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors annually. In 2023, Rajasthan drew 179 million domestic tourists.
Ara. Such a beautiful name, rich in meaning across different cultures. In Armenian, Ara is associated with Ara the Beautiful, a legendary king symbolizing bravery and beauty. In Korean, it means "ocean" or "big river," while in Arabic, it translates to "opinions" or "views." In Hebrew, Ara is a minor biblical figure's name, meaning "lion" or "bringer of light." In Turkish, Ara means "search" or "interval," while in Tagalog, it signifies "hope" or "light." But to me, Ara is more than just a name—it is the woman Allah destined for me 50,000 years before I was born, the one who brings me peace, guidance, and completes my half deen. You illuminate my path with hope, soothe my tears, ease my burdens, and, above all, embrace me as your man.
별 하나 나를 비추고
너는 내게로 와서 나를 사랑한다고 말한다
Translation:
One star shines upon me,
And you come to me and say you love me
(Yoon Dong-ju)
New Delhi - Mumbai
February 3, 2025