As the General Secretary of the Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP), I orchestrated the 44th Awards for Excellence in Book Production on September 30, 2024, at The Claridges in New Delhi. This event was not just a ceremony but a celebration of the relentless dedication, innovation, and creativity that define the Indian publishing landscape.
The event commenced with an air of anticipation. We were privileged to host distinguished Chief Guests: Hon’ble Ms Justice Hima Kohli, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, and Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani is a prominent politician, author, and former Cabinet Minister. Their presence underscored the importance of literature and its role in shaping society.
As guests entered, they were welcomed by the National Anthem, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp—an act symbolising the illumination of knowledge. This gesture was a fitting prelude to a gathering that celebrates the transformative power of books.
In my role, I took immense pride in facilitating discussions and interactions that highlighted our industry’s pressing issues and milestones during a particularly engaging conversation with Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani eloquently expressed her views on the significance of reading in today’s digital age, stating, “These days, giving your child a tablet or a smartphone means that you have fulfilled your responsibility by giving them a loaded device. But reading itself, and post-reading—a conversation around what you have read—helps the child grow and manifest their imagination.” Her insights resonated deeply, reinforcing our commitment to fostering a culture of reading.
One of the highlights of the evening was a rapid-fire round I hosted with Smt. Irani. This lively segment allowed her to share insights about her reading preferences, favourite books, and authors. The audience was treated to glimpse the woman behind the public persona—her candidness and enthusiasm created an engaging atmosphere. Seeing how literature has shaped her journey, bridging her transition from television to politics, was heartening.
The awards ceremony also recognised eight exceptional contributions to the publishing field, celebrating organisations and individuals who have significantly advanced the industry. Notable accolades included Outstanding Science, Technology & Medicine Publisher awarded to CBS Publishers & Distributors Pvt Ltd, and Outstanding Children’s Book Publisher to Brijbasi Art Press Ltd. Each awardee epitomised excellence and innovation, and I felt pride in witnessing their achievements.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Awards for Excellence in Book Production. It was a moment of recognition for publishers who consistently push boundaries, ensuring our literary landscape remains vibrant and diverse. Each award represented individual success and a collective commitment to quality and excellence within the industry.
The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks from my side, expressing gratitude to all the chief guests, jury members, participants, and supporters of the publishing community. I emphasised our mission at FIP to advocate for the interests of publishers across various languages and to promote Indian literature globally.
Reflecting on this event, I am filled with hope and determination. The 44th Awards for Excellence in Book Production was not merely an awards ceremony but a reaffirmation of our commitment to nurturing a vibrant publishing community in India. The future is bright, and together, we will continue to champion the power of literature, ensuring that our voices are heard nationally and globally.
In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this event a success. Together, we are not just building a robust publishing industry; we are shaping the cultural narrative of our nation.
Pranav Gupta
Entrepreneur, Publisher, Nationalist, Leader
