Kolkata, Jan 28 (Reporter) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee along with Dr. Phillip Ackermann, Ambassador of Germany in India, on Tuesday inaugurated the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair. A record-breaking over 1,000 book publishers and little magazines participated in the book fair. Banerjee said the book fair was a proud moment for book lovers as books recorded documents of the past. Everyone should read books even though digital media is getting popular. During the unveiling of the mega book fair, one of the largest in Asia, Dr Marla Stuckenberg, Regional Director, Goethe Institut, South Asia, and renowned author Abul Bashar was present at Boi Mela Prangan at Kanunamoyee ( Salt Lake area). Popular Bengali writer Abul Bashar was conferred Guild Lifetime Literary Award worth Rs 2 lakh at the inaugural ceremony by the Chief Minister. This year’s book fair has a record-breaking participation of over 1,000 book publishers and little magazines in which Germany took center stage as the focal theme country. Several other nations have also showcased their stalls at the fair, which is to be continued till February 9. In tribute to literary legends, roads within the fairground have been named after renowned German writers such as Rainer Maria Rilke, Bertolt Brecht, Franz Kafka, Herta Müller, Thomas Mann, and others, alongside celebrated Indian literary personalities. According to Sudhangshu Sekhar Dey, General Secretary Publishers and Booksellers Guild, the fair has featured gates dedicated to stalwarts including Salil Chowdhury, Ritwik Ghatak, Jibanananda Das and Kazi Nazrul Islam, as well as the Max Mueller Gate and Hackeschen Höfe Gate. The International Kolkata Book Fair, one of Asia's largest literary events, is held annually in Kolkata, drawing millions with its diverse range of books and rich cultural activities. Established in 1976, it features international publishers, authors, and a special pavilion for a guest country, promoting cross-cultural exchange. The fair includes literary discussions, book launches, and performances, celebrating the region's vibrant literary heritage...////...