Press Club of India to host its first-ever Literary Festival and Book Fair from February 28
New Delhi : The Press Club of India (PCI) is going to host its first-ever grand literary festival and book fair at its New Delhi, Raisina Road premises from February 28 to March 1, 2025. This two-day event will run from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM and will be open to club members, their families, friends, and the general public.
The primary objective of this event is to provide a platform for club members who have authored books in English, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, and other Indian languages. Additionally, bestselling books of 2024-2025 and classic literary works will also be showcased, offering literature enthusiasts a chance to explore both contemporary and classic works.
Speaking about the initiative, Club President Gautam Lahiri said, "Through this event, we aim to celebrate the deep connection between journalism and book writing. For this reason, the club will also feature books by renowned journalists who may not be club members but whose works have significantly contributed to public understanding of various issues. Such authors will receive special invitations from the club."
The festival is being organized by an experienced team, including the club’s Vice President Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty, Executive Member Surabhi Kanga, and Mehtab Alam, who leads the club’s successful program, "PCI Conversation."
Major book retailers from Delhi will also participate in the festival, giving visitors the opportunity to browse and purchase a diverse collection of literary works. The club will set up a special stall to showcase books by members whose publishers are not based in Delhi or whose books are available exclusively online.
Additionally, authors will be given a special opportunity to promote their books. They can display personal standees at the club stall for a nominal fee, payable to Club Manager Jitendra Singh. The club is also offering a pre-order booking facility for authors whose books are yet to be released. Interested members can set up a standee at the club for a minimal charge, allowing readers to pre-book their upcoming publications.
Authors wishing to display their book standees or set up pre-order bookings must contact Jitendra Singh by February 20. Alongside the book fair, four major panel discussions will be held, where prominent journalists will share their views on writing, media, press freedom, and social issues.
Since no festival is complete without delicious food, the two-day event will also feature food stalls offering traditional delicacies from different states. Visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes, including specialties from the Northeast, Kashmiri cuisine, Bengali flavors, Mughlai delights from Delhi, and popular street foods.
