In a groundbreaking move that signals a new era of global literary exchange, the 47th International Kolkata Book Fair has selected Greece as its focal theme country for the upcoming 2025 edition. This historic decision marks the first time in the event's prestigious history that a nation outside South Asia has been chosen for this distinguished role.
A Bold Departure from Tradition
The Kolkata Book Fair, recognized as the world's largest non-trade book fair and Asia's biggest book fair by attendance, has traditionally featured South Asian neighbors as theme countries. This year's selection of Greece represents a significant expansion of the fair's international vision and cultural outreach.
"This is a conscious decision to globalize our perspective," explained Tridib Kumar Chatterjee, honorary president of the Publishers and Booksellers Guild. "While we remain deeply connected to our South Asian roots, we're now embracing the wider world of literature and culture."
Why Greece Was Chosen
The selection committee highlighted several compelling reasons for choosing Greece:
- Greece's profound literary heritage dating back to ancient epics
- The rich philosophical tradition that has influenced global thought
- Contemporary Greek literature's growing international recognition
- The symbolic connection between democracy's birthplace and the world's largest democracy
What Visitors Can Expect
The Greek pavilion will be a major attraction, featuring:
- Translations of classic and modern Greek literature
- Cultural performances and art exhibitions
- Interactive sessions with Greek authors and intellectuals
- Workshops on Greek philosophy and writing traditions
"We want to create a bridge between Indian and Greek literary traditions," Chatterjee added. "This is about creating dialogue between ancient civilizations through the medium of books."
Looking Toward the Future
This strategic shift opens doors for other non-South Asian countries to participate as theme nations in future editions. The fair organizers see this as part of Kolkata's evolving identity as a truly international literary hub, building on the city's UNESCO designation as a "World Book Capital" in 2023.
The 47th International Kolkata Book Fair is scheduled to run from January 29 to February 9, 2025, at Central Park Mela Ground in Salt Lake, promising an unprecedented celebration of global literature and cross-cultural exchange.
