Programme 2026

The Hindi literary landscape is buzzing with new energy as podcasters, digital magazines, and audio/video broadcasters review books, conduct long-form interviews, and use digital media to reach new readers. We meet some of the leading lights who are building literary communities in the digital age.

Jaipur Calling: A Peek into the Pink City, the first in RoRo Books’ Nanhe Musafir series, invites young explorers to experience Jaipur through the eyes of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. With urban myths, vibrant illustrations, and interactive flaps, it encourages readers to discover the city’s stories and engage with travel intentionally.

Publishers from South Asia have traditionally had trade relationships with Western book markets. In an increasingly uncertain world of global trade, some publishers are making successful forays into emerging markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Listen in to publishing professionals who are expanding their publishing footprint.

What is the uptake of audiobooks among the reading public? Which formats and languages are showing promise? Have they met initial projections? Have new and established players developed workable protocols? Industry experts reflect on the trajectory of audiobooks in a country with a strong oral tradition.

Bookstores have always been places of influence in the cultural life of a nation. As booklovers, we encounter our first books there, and they draw us back repeatedly. How do bookstores remain alive and pulsating, keeping readers, both old and new, coming back to breathe in the scent of books? Industry stalwarts who run legacy bookstores share their insights.

What are children reading, and how are they discovering books in India? What can publishers do to make reading an integral part of every child's formative years, through the school system, the family, and the cultural fabric of the society in which children grow up?

The future looks exciting for big publishers that are nimble in seizing the opportunities technology brings. Ananth Padmanabhan, CEO of HarperCollins India, shares his reading of the times and a vision for a culture that values books.

International publishers often say that the essence of Norwegian children’s literature is shaped by freedom, imagination, and boldness. The books break boundaries, confront taboos, and play with both form and content. Brimming with mischief, humour, seriousness, and surprise, they dare to be fearless and direct. They don’t tell children what to think, they invite them to think for themselves. Oliver Møystad from Norwegian Literature Abroad (NORLA) gives us a peek into children’s literature from Norway in the run-up to Bologna, where Norway will be the Guest of Honour in 2026.

Popular Prakashan, the iconic English and Marathi publishing house, is celebrating its hundredth anniversary. With an enviable list featuring legendary writers like Vijay Tendulkar, Bhalchandra Nemade, and Durga Bhagwat, among others, the publisher has contributed significantly to the intellectual and cultural discourse of the nation.

Laying out expectations clearly is instrumental in crafting a book that will travel far. How do authors and agents negotiate an understanding that brings maximum value to the relationship? A leading literary agent and her authors uncover the finer nuances of working together.

The kaleidoscope of a multi-lingual India is revealed in its depth and richness through the window of publishing in Indian languages. Meet leading Marathi publishers and get the measure of a thriving book culture in a language that is spoken by over 99 million speakers worldwide.

From the book that begins as a gleam in an editor's eye to the one that ends up in the hands of the reader, there lies a long and winding road. The journey down that road is powered significantly by marketing. Learn about the many strands that must converge to bring a book to life and attract more readers. Meet the experts as they unpack launches, displays, social media, online publicity, the role of newsletters and Substack, and community building in the successful marketing of a book.

The French book landscape is dotted with supportive publishing policies and an ever-widening space for cross-media innovation. Meet the publishing professionals who are forging transnational ties and experimenting with formats and narratives.

A deep reading of contracts is necessary to understand the nuances of intellectual property. In a rapidly evolving scenario where a book may move into many other media, creators and publishers must work together to realise the full potential of a work. A leading literary agent and legal expert guide us through the fine print so that authors understand contracts better. 

Over 300 million self-published books are sold each year. As more authors choose this route, which gives them agency and a direct connection with the audience, we examine the many permutations now available. Well-known experts reveal different aspects of independent publishing.

The sky of translations is being lit up by the appearance of new stars on the horizon. Well-known translator Arunava Sinha has launched Chowringhee in partnership with the platform Stck, which encourages translators to publish independently. Renowned author Vivek Shanbhag's Bahuvachana Trust is launching Hyphen, which aims to encompass a journal, a publishing house, and a digital platform dedicated to various aspects of translation. Track these exciting new developments in the world of publishing, where translations are taking centre stage.

Manga has a loyal and growing fanbase in India. The Indian anime and manga market is projected to reach USD 5 billion by 2032. In a rare appearance in India, celebrated manga artist Yoshitoki Ōima and Yoshiaki Koga of the well-known Japanese publisher Kodansha will share the intricacies of this much-loved genre. This session is a treat for readers and creators who adore graphic forms of storytelling.

The publishing industry leads from the front in shaping a knowledge society. How can the policy environment better support the industry so that it nurtures the educational and cultural life of the nation? Listen to industry leaders as they unpack the challenges and opportunities that will drive growth.

Publishing academic work in higher education is undergoing rapid changes. How has the digital revolution impacted the quality, dissemination, and management of different channels, while keeping accurate and up-to-date content at the centre stage?

The capacious folds of Indology hold palimpsests of several ages that enrich our understanding of the land we inhabit. Deeply researched texts such as The Journey of Civilization: Indus to Vaigai and historical fiction such as Kaaval Kottam open windows to the past in unique ways. Meet the authors who broaden our worldview about the languages spoken, battles won and lost, and lives lived in the subcontinent over the ages.

Literature festivals continue to be at the forefront of local and international politics. In this complex and ever-changing world, how do festival directors and producers negotiate conflicting needs of sponsors, local, national and international sensitivities, and the repercussions that inevitably follow boycotts, negative press and debacles pertaining to partners?