The 44^th International Kolkata Book Fair was inaugurated on 28^th January at Central Park Mela Complex, Salt Lake.

The inauguration was graced by Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee, Nrisingha Prasad Bhaduri, H E Kudashev Nikolay Rishatovich, Ambassador of Russia In India, Vladimir Grigoriev, Eugene Vodolazkin from Russia and Hon’ble Ministers of the state of Bengal.

Some of the highlights of this year’s book fair are:

• About 600 stalls and 200 little magazine stalls are present at the book fair.
• There are nine entry and exit gates at the book fair. The theme gate is the replica of Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, Russia.
• The two big halls are named after Nabanita Dev Sen and Girish Karnad.
• For the visitors, Transport Department, Government of West Bengal is providing additional bus services. With the help of Bidhannagar Police, the auto fare to various destinations is also fixed for the book fair.
• Apart from car parking, parking provisions of cycles are also provided.
• A special medical assistance service with ambulance and well equipped doctors by Peerless Hospitex Hospital and Research Center Limited.

A good number of authors from different countries like Spain, Russia, Australia, Argentina, Bangladesh, Scotland will be participating in interactive sessions and seminars along with noted Indian authors.

Guild has decided to donate books to old age homes from this year.

A special CESC Sahitya Samman will be awarded to Nrisingha Prasad Bhaduri.

The 7^th Edition of Kolkata Literature Festival will be held from 6^th to 8^th February.

The book fair will continue till 9^th February. The timing is from 12 pm to 8 pm.

Priyanka Dutta