Picture Credit: x.com/ambackermann
Germany has been named the partner country for the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair, marking a significant moment in Indo-German cultural exchange. The book fair, running from January 28 to February 9, 2025, will showcase Germany’s literary heritage, cultural diversity, and its deepening ties with India and South Asia.
German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann expressed his country’s pride in being part of this prestigious event, calling it “a big festival of books and a fabulous event.”
Grand Inauguration with Key Dignitaries
The book fair was inaugurated in the presence of several notable figures, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, German Ambassador to India and Bhutan Philipp Ackermann, Marla Stukenberg, Regional Director of the Goethe-Institut South Asia, and Peter Limbourg, Director General of Deutsche Welle. These leaders emphasized the importance of cultural collaboration between the two nations.
Ambassador Ackermann underscored Germany’s enthusiasm for the fair, saying, “We are very happy and proud to be the partner country of this year’s Kolkata Book Fair. It is a household name in India for books, and logically, it is in the most intellectual city of India… Culture is one area of our strong interpersonal relations with India.”
Germany as the Focal Theme Country
Germany’s participation as the Focal Theme Country highlights sustainability and diversity—values that resonate on a global scale. The fair will feature a range of events, including book launches, panel discussions, cultural performances, interactive workshops, and exhibitions. The country’s literary presence will not only celebrate classical German literature but also emphasize contemporary themes like eco-consciousness and inclusivity.
One of the highlights is the German theme pavilion, titled “Shelf Life,” designed by renowned architect Anupama Kundoo. Known for her expertise in sustainable architecture, Kundoo’s pavilion reflects the role of books in shaping human civilization while promoting environmental consciousness.
Showcasing German Literary Talent
More than a dozen German authors and publishing professionals will participate in the fair, offering a deep dive into Germany’s literary landscape. Among the invited authors is David Wagner, whose novel Verkin explores the life of a Turkish woman with Armenian heritage, and Christian Kracht, whose forthcoming novel Air follows a journey across Europe.
Several of these authors share personal connections with India. Christian Kracht was a long-time correspondent in New Delhi, while Tonio Schachinger, the 2023 German Book Prize winner, was born in the Indian capital. Christopher Kloeble, who splits his time between Berlin and New Delhi, recently published The Museum of the World, a novel about a historic Indian expedition. Ulrike Almut Sandig, a Berlin-based poet and author, has also spent extended periods in India studying Hindi and Indian literature.
Bridging the Literary Gap
Despite the deep historical ties between Germany and India, German literature remains underrepresented in Indian bookstores, with classics from Bertolt Brecht, Franz Kafka, and Thomas Mann dominating the shelves. However, Indian publishers like Seagull Books, led by Naveen Kishore, have been working to bridge this gap by translating and publishing contemporary German works in English.
Speaking about Germany’s presence at the fair, Ackermann stressed the opportunity to present “a very modern, reflective, diverse, and colorful side of literary Germany.”
Kolkata: A Cultural Hub for Literary Exchange
Acknowledging Kolkata’s rich literary traditions, Ackermann compared the book fair to one of India’s most significant religious gatherings. “I come from Delhi where people are talking about Kumbh Mela. To me, this is the Kumbh Mela of books. Calcutta as a city is the hub of art, culture, and literary traditions, and we are happy to be here in the festival of books,” he remarked.
With Germany taking center stage this year, the 48th Kolkata Book Fair promises to be a landmark event, fostering deeper cultural and literary ties between the two nations.
