A Literary Pilgrimage [ M_37]

My Journey to the 2025 New Delhi World Book Fair

February, traditionally a month of quiet pilgrimages for me, took an unexpected turn in 2025. This time, my destination wasn’t a serene temple or a historical site, but the bustling Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, home to the prestigious World Book Fair. The allure was irresistible: a nine-day celebration of literature, organized by the National Book Trust, promising a confluence of authors, readers, and publishers from across the globe.

Author Suryanarayana SV is seen speaking from the Author’s Corner podium. Photo captured by a well-wisher.

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My initial motivation was multifaceted. As a self-published author, I yearned to immerse myself in the literary world and compare this global event with my familiar annual Hyderabad Book Fair. Perhaps to discover new gems within my favorite non-fiction self-improvement genre, I initially planned a solo venture, but fate had other plans.

Author Suryanarayana SV at the book launch event. Photo captured by a well-wisher

A pivotal moment arrived with an invitation from the International Council of Authors (ICL) to contribute to an anthology titled “Manifestation Diaries.” The theme resonated deeply, and I…