New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 Highlights Hindi Literature's Digital Shift

The New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 highlights Hindi literature’s growth with digital innovations, audiobooks, and rising young authors.

on Feb 07, 2025

The New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 saw a strong presence of Hindi literature, with 365 stalls and around 170 exhibitors. Digitisation has given the Hindi book market a boost, yet concerns remain about its impact on readership.

Veteran Hindi author Dr Biharilal Jalandhari notes that while novels and storybooks remain popular, reference books rich in historical and political content are often overlooked. He also worries that English translations divert readers from the original Hindi texts.

Amit Singh, PR head of the National Book Trust (NBT), highlights that young Hindi authors, aged 25-30, have gained popularity through social media. Publishers like Manjul have also embraced audiobooks and podcasts to expand reach.

However, many readers still prefer physical books. Rajvinder, a Hindi literature student, believes printed books allow deeper reflection than audiobooks, which often limit contemplation time. He also points out how social media affects attention spans.

Regional language publishing is also seeing growth. Ganesh Khushgal of Winsar Publishing House recalls the previous shortage of books in Garhwali and Kumaoni, which is now improving.

To promote reading and writing, NBT’s YUVA 2.0 scheme mentors 75 young authors through an All India Contest. Their manuscripts are evaluated, and winners receive training from eminent authors, with their works later published and translated into various languages.