Greetings! I am Pranav Gupta, the General Secretary of the Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP). I share my reflections on the recent Indian Publishers Conference (IPC) 2024 with immense pride and satisfaction. This event marked a significant milestone in the journey of digital transformation within the publishing industry.
A Day of Vision and Innovation
Held on August 2, 2024, at The Lalit, New Delhi, the Indian Publishers Conference 2024 was an ambitious venture to harness digital technologies’ transformative power in our field. With the theme “Unleashing Digital Potential,” IPC’24 was more than just gathering industry experts—it was a dynamic platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration. Organised by FIP in collaboration with the Indian Reprographic Rights Organization (IRRO), this conference was pivotal in addressing the urgent needs and opportunities presented by the digital age.
In an era where digital technologies are revolutionising content creation, distribution, and consumption, publishers face unprecedented challenges and remarkable possibilities. IPC’24 aimed to bridge these gaps by providing actionable insights, fostering best practices, and forging partnerships that drive innovation and sustainability in the publishing sector.
It was an honour to be invited on stage as the Chair for the session on ‘Leveraging the power of copyright & Intellectual Property Rights in the Digital Ecosystem’ with experts like Ms Pragya Chaturvedi, Intellectual Property Attaché, British High Commission, New Delhi, Mr Ankit Sahni, Partner at Ajay Sahni & Associates and Mr Sourish Mitra, Author & In-house counsel at a multinational company. It was indeed an enriching experience to share the panel with such intellects and to explore the nuances of copyright & IP rights in this growing digital economy.
Celebrating Excellence: The Awards Ceremony
One of the highlights of the evening was our prestigious Awards Ceremony, where we honoured remarkable individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to the industry. The following awardees were celebrated:
- (Dr.) Unnat Pandit was honoured with the Pioneer in Intellectual Property and Innovation Award. Dr. Pandit’s work has significantly impacted the creative industry as the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks and Registrar of Copyright and Geographical Indications. His dedication to intellectual property rights has paved the way for numerous advancements in our field.
- Mahavir Publishing Company, VK Global Publications, and Navneet Education (India) Ltd each received the Outstanding Publisher Award. These organisations were recognised for their invaluable contributions to the Federation and the Indian publishing industry. Their commitment and innovation have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of Indian publishing.
- FDA Logistics was awarded the Outstanding Logistics Company Award for its pivotal role in promoting e-commerce within the Indian publishing sector. Their support in the logistics domain is crucial for the seamless distribution of content in the digital age.
- The Friends of Publishing Awards went to Shri Ankit Sahni, MA Sikandar, and Prof. Baldeo Bhai Sharma. Their invaluable contributions have significantly benefited the Federation and the broader publishing community. Their dedication and support are deeply appreciated.
Inspiring Speeches and Keynotes
The conference commenced with an inspiring address from our Guest of Honour, Ms Bansuri Swaraj, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha. Her eloquence and insightful speech set a positive tone for the day, highlighting the importance of digital innovation in the publishing industry. Her presence during the conference’s inauguration was both uplifting and motivating for all attendees.
Additionally, Dr Unnat Pandit delivered a compelling talk on copyright, which aligned perfectly with our theme of “Unleashing Digital Potential.” His expert perspectives shed light on the challenges and opportunities digital tools present to creators, emphasising the need for a robust copyright framework to support innovation.
Our esteemed guest, Shri Harsh Malhotra Ji, Hon’ble Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport & Highways, also graced us with his valuable insights. His address on the present and future of publishing resonated deeply with our mission, providing a comprehensive view of the industry’s trajectory.
A Successful Endeavor
Reflecting on the day, I am thrilled that Indian Publishers Conference 2024 was a resounding success. The conference featured insightful and power-packed sessions delivered by industry leaders and experts across various domains, including copyright, intellectual property, law, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, school education, publishing, trade, distribution, and exports. It was a day dedicated to exploring and expanding the digital potential within our industry.
As we progress, the knowledge shared, and connections made at IPC’24 will undoubtedly drive future innovations and collaborations. Our commitment to leveraging digital technologies for the betterment of the publishing industry remains steadfast, and the discussions and insights gained from this conference will be instrumental in shaping our path forward.
Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of the Indian Publishers Conference 2024. Together, we are not just adapting to the digital age but leading the way in defining its future.
Warm regards,
Pranav Gupta
Entrepreneur, Publisher, Author, Nationalist,
