British Council announces the UK as theme country for Kolkata Book Fair 2024

Marking the 75th anniversary of the British Council's presence in India, the UK programme at the fair will offer an immersive experience, providing attendees with insights into the vibrant education, science and creative cultural heritage of the UK. 

The UK Pavilion will serve as a dynamic platform for attendees to explore various facets of the UK, including its rich literary traditions, arts, science, education, and English language learning opportunities. In celebration of the evolving global impact of the English language, the 'Future of English' exhibition at the UK Pavilion will captivate visitors with interactive displays showcasing the language's expansive reach and influence across the world. Visitors will have access to an array of events and activities aimed at promoting cultural exchange and fostering greater understanding between the two nations.

As theme country, the UK will also present a line-up of speakers at the fair as well as the associated Kolkata Literature Festival, amplifying literary and intellectual discussions. 

Roma Agarwal, a pioneering structural engineer associated with the design of the London landmark and Europe’s tallest tower, The Shard, and advocate for women in engineering, will be joining Nandini Das from the University of Oxford, recognised for her work Courting India: England, Mughal India, and the Origins of Empire (winner of British Academy’s Best Book Prize in 2023). Sebastian Faulks, a celebrated British novelist known for historical fiction like Birdsong and Charlotte Gray, contributes his insights. 

Lord Meghnad Desai, British economist, former politician, and a Padma Bhushan awardee will bring his impactful literary perspective to the event. Other names include Michael Wilson, specialising in popular performance and storytelling at Loughborough University, and Robert Potts, delving into AI and design at Manchester Metropolitan University, who will be adding their expertise. 

Anupama Raju, a poet, journalist, and translator known for Malayalam-to-English translations, will enrich the discourse, along with Lady Kishwar Desai, an accomplished author and columnist recognised with the Costa Book Award for Witness the Night. Through vibrant exhibits and engaging presentations, the British Council aims to highlight the synergy between the UK and India while empowering young minds to be catalysts for positive global change.

Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council, said, “We are delighted that the UK will be the theme country at the International Kolkata Book Fair once again. This fair holds significant cultural importance for India and Kolkata, providing us with a valuable platform to showcase vibrant UK-India partnerships in education, science, the English language and the creative sectors. The design of the UK Pavilion aims to create an immersive experience reflecting the essence of British culture, emphasising its modern contributions to education, the English language and the arts. As we mark our 75th year in India and Kolkata, we're looking forward to continuing our partnership with the Booksellers and Publishers Guild.”

Tridib Kr Chatterjee, president of the Publishers & Booksellers Guild, said, “We’re thrilled to welcome the UK once again as the theme country for the International Kolkata Book Fair. The UK's previous participations in 1998, 2009, and 2015 significantly contributed to both the fair's and the city's international programming and cultural connections. Literature transcends regional boundaries, and it's exciting to engage with Delhi to discuss the upcoming IKBF. The British Council's active involvement during those editions was instrumental in elevating the fair's cultural significance. We eagerly anticipate another enriching experience for all attendees, fostering cultural exchange and dialogue.”