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Retaining some old-world fantasies is a huge challenge when technology is out to provide modern-day comforts at your fingertips. Conservatives would swear by books and would hate to replace them with any convenient gadget as they become ecstatic… feeling the books, leafing through the pages, breathing in the typical smell of the printed pages – be they old or new. Innovations can’t make its way through some innate things and these things only intensify with time. But the pain point is either you are born with some kind of antenna to experience such bounties of life or you are just plain unlucky. Like the intellectualism of the Bengalis and also their <keyword id="2052955" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Love-for-books">love for books</keyword>! How else would you explain the sheer addiction to books, books and more books and yet the event draws more than 2.5 million <keyword id="456096" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Book-lovers">book lovers</keyword> every year? 
 <keyword id="100667" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kolkata-book-fair">Kolkata Book Fair</keyword> is now well into its late 30s (<keyword id="793067" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="KBF">KBF</keyword> celebrated its 38th birthday this year) and witnessed huge crowds milling around the stalls, set up by about 109 publishing houses operating in India. The book fair was a 13-day affair this time – from the inauguration on January 28 to the closing ceremony on February 9. Interestingly, KBF is the world’s <keyword id="2052986" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Largest-non-trade-book-fair">largest non-trade book fair</keyword>, which means it essentially caters to the general public, instead of wholesalers. So it’s no wonder that the who’s who of the Indian and global literati are mostly here at the plenary sessions. <keyword id="6360497" type="COUNTRY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Peru">Peru</keyword> was the theme country of 2014 but Peruvian poet <keyword id="2052952" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rodolfo-Hinostroza">Rodolfo Hinostroza</keyword> and Peru’s cultural minister <keyword id="2033619" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Patricia-Balbuena-Palacios">Patricia Balbuena Palacios</keyword>, who were to inaugurate the event, could not attend the <keyword id="6363379" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Opening-ceremony">opening ceremony</keyword> following the political situation at home. 
 In actual terms, <keyword id="6357783" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="West-Bengal">West Bengal</keyword> is one of those states in India which has a high concentration of <keyword id="54033" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Scholars">scholars</keyword>, <keyword id="6498302" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Academicians">academicians</keyword> and <keyword id="105357" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Intellectuals">intellectuals</keyword>. As social movements are often fuelled by the litterateurs and <keyword id="60303" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Leftist">Leftist</keyword> overtones exist there among the so-called intellectuals, it could have been the prime reason why <keyword id="6354925" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kolkata">Kolkata</keyword> Book Fair has remained a non-trade affair throughout these years. 
 Organised by <keyword id="2052951" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kolkata-Publishers-and-Booksellers-Guild">Kolkata Publishers and Booksellers Guild</keyword> and largely supported by book lovers, the annual event had some tough times when <keyword id="26497" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="environmental-issues">environmental issues</keyword> compelled it to leave the Maidan greens (near Park Street-Rabindra Sadan) at the centre of the city. The fair was shifted from the Maidan area in 2007 and finally found a home at the <keyword id="532071" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Milan-Mela-ground">Milan Mela ground</keyword> opposite Science City. 
 By now, readers must be feeling curious about the hottest selling books at the event. The 38th edition of the book fair was inaugurated this year by none other than <keyword id="670521" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chief-minister-Mamata-Banerjee">Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</keyword> and (believe it or not) her books turned out to be best-sellers even this year. A <keyword id="2052958" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="regular-writer-and-a-poet">regular writer and a poet</keyword>, Mamata started writing in 1995 and has penned 45 books so far. Last year, her books worth Rs 10 lakh were sold, earning her a royalty of Rs 1 lakh. This year, the sales are supposed to shoot up even further as new books penned by her had been released on the inauguration day. 
 Yet, all might not be well at this global gathering of great minds. Just as it happened at the Jaipur Literary Festival two years ago, <keyword id="25391" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Salman-Rushdie">Salman Rushdie</keyword> was stopped from participating at the Kolkata Book Fair last year. And do you know the irony of it all? It’s the <keyword id="2052997" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Author-CM">author-CM</keyword> who might have played a key role and stopped the internationally acclaimed but equally controversial Rushdie from coming to the event. 
 
It was said at that time that Rushdie himself had decided to stay away from the event. The author, however, had reportedly told he was informed by the government that the protests against him could be ‘dangerous.’ Photos, too, had swarmed the Internet, featuring hundreds of men brandishing placards that said ‘Rushdie Go Back.’ 
 
It’s understood that Mamata, who was touring North Bengal at that time, had told the police commissioner she didn’t want Rushdie to land in the city. And the reason was obvious – she didn’t want to antagonise the minority community if she could help it. 
 
The whole drama of not hosting Rushdie was played out in many shades and across many episodes. When finally it was learnt that Mamata was completely against Rushdie’s participation at the book fair, the grave concerns around his security and the gravity of the situation (with the number of protestors increasing every day) were conveniently played up to persons in charge of Rushdie’s itinerary. Then the easy way rolled out by itself. The statement issued to the media read: The ‘author decided to stay out of the event’ for reasons known to him. And Mamata had won her game. 
 This way, the world’s largest book fair held a mirror to India’s so-called democratic values and assured <keyword id="60937" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fundamental-rights">fundamental rights</keyword>. But never mind. <keyword id="5258" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="CM">CM</keyword> Mamata’s books have turned her into a literary sensation over the years. And it’s quite an indicator how the scale is tipping in the <keyword id="2053000" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="World-of-literature">world of literature</keyword>. 
 
Image: Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images

Kolkata
Book Fair: Leafing Through The Pages In The Era Of E-readers

Ask yourself a simple question – why do you read <keyword id="5050" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="books">books</keyword>? The answer won’t be simple in an age when all-pervasive screens rule our life and we either stare or scan, instead of reading. When was the last time you curled up with a good cuppa and a great book (and a snuggling pet) that made you forget your smartphone? For many of us, it could be a rare experience nowadays, as was revealed in a recent survey. In July last year, a HuffPost/YouGov poll of 1,000 US adults found that 28% had not read a single book over the past one year. That may sound alarming and things are even worse at home. <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="100" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>’s literacy rate stands at 74% as per the 2011 census. 
 On the flip side, India hosts huge <keyword id="2037895" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Book-fairs">book fairs</keyword> (<keyword id="951619" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="New-Delhi-World-Book-Fair">New Delhi World Book Fair</keyword> and the ongoing <keyword id="2037897" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kolkata-Book-Fair-2014">Kolkata Book Fair 2014</keyword> have earned their fair share of global fame over the years) and great literary events like the recently concluded <keyword id="98910" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jaipur-Literature-Festival">Jaipur Literature Festival</keyword> that bring together some of the greatest thinkers and <keyword id="6404409" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="writers">writers</keyword> from all over the world. That again, is impressive, but let us not just pay lip service to books and <keyword id="1262383" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="booklovers">booklovers</keyword>. Turn into a booklover yourself and pick up one that intrigues you (they have a great way of finding their way to the right person as soon as you look at the display). 
 To help you further, we will go on a <keyword id="2037971" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Journey-of-discovery">journey of discovery</keyword> together and discuss 5-10 books published each month. They may or may not be the next big things in the world of <keyword id="2037892" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Printed-words">printed words</keyword>. But on hindsight, they need not be so. “The best of a book is not the thought which it contains, but the thought which it suggests; just as the charm of music dwells not in the tones but in the echoes of our hearts,” says American <keyword id="2037899" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Quaker-poet">Quaker poet</keyword> <keyword id="2037891" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="John-Greenleaf-Whittier">John Greenleaf Whittier</keyword>. What more can we expect from a work of art? It handholds us, leads us deep into an experience called Life and makes us fall in <keyword id="7557" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Love">love</keyword> with the new world revealed before us. Read them and be a part of the world without boundaries. Here we go… 
 
Image credit: Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images

Best Reads Of
January: 7 Books That Will Take You On Journeys You Never Made

New Delhi, Jan 21 () Assets worth over Rs 107 crore of a Kolkata-based firm have been attached in connection with a money laundering probe linked to an alleged bank fraud case, the ED said on Tuesday.
 The action has been taken against directors of the company Fair Deal Suppliers, and land and building in Coimbatore, an office building, a farm house, bungalow in Ahmedabad and seven fixed deposits have been attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
 The total value of the properties is Rs 107.73 crore.
 The Enforcement Directorate (ED) said in a statement that the firm and its directors Ram Prasad Agarwal, Narayan Prasad Agarwal, Pawan Kumar Agarwal and Saurabh Jhunjhunwala and others were booked by it after studying a CBI charge sheet filed against them for "defrauding" a UCO Bank flagship corporate branch in Kolkata.
The probe found that Fairdeal Supplies Ltd and its directors availed various credit facilities and foreign letters of credit (FLCs) from UCO Bank "fraudulently" by submitting inflated and fabricated stock statement, the ED alleged. 
 It said the company "did not route the sale proceeds of coal imported under the FLCs through the bank, resulting in accumulation of letters of credit." 
 "The funds were diverted for other purposes, thereby defrauding the bank to the tune of Rs 231.95 crore," the ED said.
Directors of the company "directed" buyers of coal to remit sale proceeds of the imported coal to other accounts, it said.
 "The buyers of coal deposited the sale proceeds in the accounts other than accounts of Fairdeal Supplies Ltd. From these accounts, the funds were further diverted to acquire assets," the agency charged.
Probe in the case is ongoing, it added. NES NES DV
DV

Bank fraud: ED attaches over Rs 107-cr assets of Kolkata firm

300 seems to be the magic number these days. And guess, who has achieved this milestone recently—the<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=real+estate"> real-estate market</a> major <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Magicbricks">Magicbricks</a>, <keyword id="6355629" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google">Google</keyword> and Group M that is. They had recently organized an online sale by the name The Great Online Homes Festival (GOHF), and it had been a huge success. The organizers could manage to fetch over 500 bookings for properties via this sale and their total worth stands at Rs 300 crore. 
 The property fair which lasted for 10 days received more than 50 lakh visitors from across India. What surprised the organizers was the fact that new markets, apart from Delhi-NCR participated actively in the event. As per a report released by the organizing company, <keyword id="6354925" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kolkata">Kolkata</keyword> and Hyderabad are growing as new possibility for the real-estate sector. The response from these markets was at par with cities like Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune. 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Sudhir+Pai">Magicbrics CEO Sudhir Pai</a> in a statement said, "The successful conclusion of GOHF marks an important milestone for the <keyword id="597723" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-real-estate-sector">Indian real estate sector</keyword>. We are overwhelmed by the record-breaking response from customers, which signals a paradigm shift in the customer psyche so far as the decision of online property purchase is concerned. Hopefully, the momentum generated by GOHF will impart the much-needed impetus for improved sales in the <keyword id="6354553" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="real-estate">real estate</keyword> sector in the days ahead." 
 In addition to this, the fair received queries from across India, especially from the cities like Bhopal and Coimbatore in addition to Delhi NCR. <keyword id="806482" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nitin-Bawankule">Nitin Bawankule</keyword>, Industry Director, <keyword id="45395" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google-India">Google India</keyword> in a statement said, “Real estate purchase journey today begin on the Internet and over the last two years we have seen great traction amongst buyers willing to make purchases online for their dream homes. Success of Great Online House Festival by Magicbricks reiterates, that Internet can unlock the value by overcoming the inefficiencies in the offline model and offering rich, meaningful and immersive experience to real estate buyers on the Internet in both domestic tier 1, tier 2 cities and NRI audiences." 
 
The online fair showcased properties available in different prices starting from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 2 crore with exclusive deals. While queries were generate across all price ranges, online bookings were primarily seen for those ranging between Rs 40 - 80 lakh. 
 <keyword id="368491" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sachin-Agarwal">Sachin Agarwal</keyword>, Chairman &amp; Managing Director<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=+Maple+Group"> Maple Group</a> said that he was extremely delighted with the response that he received from the GOHF. He said, "In a short span of 10 days we sold 40 flats and some more are in discussion for closure for the most upcoming areas of Wagholi Annexe &amp; Chakan Taelgaon projects. We are very surprised that many buyers are from Delhi and Mumbai too, and glad that GOHF took our properties to a national level". 
 
To maintain its leadership position in the market, Magicbricks has announced a slew of strategic measures in the last few months. Various initiatives such as a high-decibel Media campaign, including associate sponsorship in IPL, launch of new sections on the website such as Advice and Map Search, have all helped Magicbricks take a clear lead in its category. 
 
Image: thinkstock

Guess who has raked in Rs 300 crore from bookings? No, we are not talking about Salman Khan-starrer Bajrangi Bhaijaan

He’s a Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences. He’s also a Thomas W. Lamont University Professor, Professor of Economics and Philosophy at Harvard University, and was the Master of Trinity College, Cambridge until 2004. He’s none other than Mr. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Amartya+Sen">Amartya Sen</a>. 
 Business Insider caught up with this great economist at the Tata Steel <keyword id="911395" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Kolkata-Literary-Meet">Kolkata Literary Meet</keyword>, chatting gleefully with fellow Harvard Professor <keyword id="283200" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Sugata-Bose">Sugata Bose</keyword> about his latest book – <keyword id="3219241" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="The-Country-of-First-Boys">The Country of First Boys</keyword>. 
 
Over the next hour, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Amartya+Sen">Sen</a> offered valuable socio-economic lessons on several issues. These had significant remarkable relevance for modern India. While the 82 year old economist didn’t name any individual or political group, but it wasn’t impossible to connect the dots. 
 
Sex-specific abortions: 
More girls are born than boys everywhere in the world. All of the States in the East and South of India have birth ratio of girls in the European range. That goes all the way from Assam to Bengal to Orissa all the way to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. However, all states in the north and west have lower than that. Sometimes considerably lower. In the case of Haryana and Delhi it will be in the 80s. That is quite dramatic. Some have gone even worse over the years. 
 
Connection between Sanskrit and Mathematics 
Indian mathematics didn’t flourish in the Vedic period as some nationalists tend to claim now. It flourished 4th-5th Century onwards and there was also quite clearly external impulse in it. I think Babylonian and Greek Mathematics came to India around that time. Then Indian mathematics took off in a dramatic way, and influenced not only India but what was the central area of intellectual excellence – the Middle East. 
 
The Arab and Iranian Mathematicians actually knew Sanskrit. Al-Khwarizmi, from whose name the word Algorithm, and from his book AlJjabr Wal-Muqābala the word Algebra is derived, he knew Sanskrit. 
 
There was a connection between Sanskrit and Mathematics as a conveyance, and I’ll be interested in both. 
 
Sanskrit used as tool for <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Intolerance">Intolerance</a> and Communal Animosity 
The Hindu-Muslim divide was cultivated around the 40s. It’s important to recognize that in Bengal Muslim League didn’t win an election until 1946, and by 1952 Bangladesh is agitating about language. 
 
It’s got nothing to do with Sanskrit, really. Sanskrit is also where you have the skeptical documents. It offers all of that. 
 
Most people who advocate Sanskrit don’t know the language. That makes it very easy for them not to read any of these. They don’t have to read, because they couldn’t. So I think it comes as a political thing. 
 
After my Nobel, India Today had an article saying a Westernized Indian gets a Nobel. I asked the Editor that I would like to talk with the author. I would like him to come to my hotel, and to argue on it. The only thing I insist on is that we talk in Sanskrit! 
 
The quest for ‘Nyay’ (Justice) over ‘Neeti’ (Principle) 
I think very often that distinction has been misunderstood. 
 
It’s not compromise It’s accepting something with a gamble, and the gamble is that you wnd up not making that progress at all. What can de done now should be done now. What cannot be done shouldn’t be forgotten. That is what you may call a ‘sequence planning’ rather than a ‘spot planning’. 
 
Small industry as a means of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Sustainable+development">Sustainable development</a> 
Has there been any example of a country which has proceeded to have fairly fast economic expansion without industrial development and by which I do mean industrial development? That would be a good example. 
 
That's not true of America, that's not true of Europe, of Japan, of China, of Korea, of Hong Kong or Singapore. It's not true of Latin America. I think one of the things I have to resist is an imagined that these things are wrong, and there are all kinds of wrong that there is an alternative that is much better. New things have been tried. 
 
I am very suspicious of taking people on what I would call for a ride on the ground that some imagined alternative would be much, much better. What is a country which has no large industry but still is very rich? 
 
Justice and Workers' Rights 
The <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=small+industries">small industries</a> are still there but the big industries have withdrawn. When I went to London first, I went by boat - not an adventurous boat, but by a ship - as I could not afford the airfare. In those days, there were 18 flights from Calcutta to London every week. Now there is not one. There is not a single flight to anywhere in Europe. You have to go to Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Bangkok or Singapore and then escape. But you can't go anywhere. 
 
I think that couldn't have been the intention to put so much focus on distribution and the workers' power and so on that you end up not having the industries and there is nowhere to demonstrate the workers' power because you haven't got the workers to demonstrate that with. Pragmatism is an essential approach to practical reasoning. 
 
Industrialization and Activism 
You can do very good <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=environmental+planning">environmental planning</a> along with a programme of industrial expansion. The conflict is not with the economic growth. The conflict is with the type of growth and care we take of the environment. 
 
So, the idea that any kind of attempt at having large industry must be combined with neglect of the environment, that actually is not a good way of thinking about it. Because there is no reason that must be the case. 
 
Revival of Humanities as a discipline 
There has been no decline within Humanities. There has been a shift away from Humanities to the Sciences. 
 
Tagore once complained about the lack of Science education. It could be certainly better, but scientific education has definitely progressed. Our best students and relatively smaller in number, and when there is competing priority they give priority to Science. Humanities tend to fall short. 
 
I think the IITs are good, and so are the likes of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. 
 
Image credit: Indiatimes

Amartya Sen: 'I am very suspicious of taking people for a ride on some imagined alternative'

The <keyword id="20066703" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Commission-for-Women" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="National Commission for Women" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="National Commission for Women">National Commission for Women</keyword> (NCW), has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that 13 girls were allegedly sexually assaulted at a <keyword id="22850043" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fake-NCC-camp" source="keywords">fake NCC camp</keyword> in Tamil Nadu's Krishnigiri. The body has directed the Director General of police to ensure a <keyword id="22859872" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="time-bound-investigation" source="keywords">time-bound investigation</keyword> and sought a detailed action report from the state police and state government within three days. The NCW said in a post on X on August 21, "National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report titled "13 girls sexually abused at fake NCC camp" from Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. The commission has directed DGP Chennai to ensure a fair, time-bound investigation, booking the accused under relevant laws. A detailed action taken report has been sought from the police and the state govt within 3 days." Following the report, NCC stated on August 19, clarifying, that the personnel involved in the alleged incident have no connection with the National Cadet Corps. "On 19 August, an incident of alleged sexual harassment of school girls attending a fake NCC camp by fake NCC persons in Bargur, Krishnagiri district Tamil Nadu was reported in the media. The reported incident does not pertain to any of the institutions registered/enrolled with the NCC. The personnel involved in the alleged incident have no connection with NCC. Also, no NCC camp was conducted in Krishnagiri District. This News is an unequivocal misinformation and obscuration of facts with a potential to be misconstrued as involvement of NCC personnel," the statement said. This comes amid nationwide protests over the murder and alleged <keyword id="19905886" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="sexual-assault" source="keywords">sexual assault</keyword> of a female trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal City of Kolkata on August 9. The assault of a doctor has sent shockwaves across the country. Doctors have protested in many states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, demanding justice and better security laws for healthcare professionals. The case has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation from the state police following an order from the Calcutta High Court. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Tuesday constituted a 10-member National Task Force to make recommendations on the prevention of violence and safe working conditions for medical professionals.

NCW takes suo motu cognizance of report of girls allegedly assaulted at fake NCC camp in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri

Kolkata, The 2024 <keyword id="19895394" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lok-sabha" source="keywords">Lok Sabha</keyword> elections are on track to break past records and become the most expensive electoral event in the world, according to a poll expert. The estimated expenditure is expected to reach a staggering Rs 1.35 lakh crore, more than double the Rs 60,000 crore spent in 2019, claimed N Bhaskara Rao, who chairs the Centre for Media Studies (CMS), a not-for-profit organisation, and has been tracking election spending for 35 years. Rao stated that this comprehensive expenditure encompasses all spending, direct or indirect, related to polls, including that by political parties and organisations, candidates, the government, and the Election Commission. With the BJP vying for a third consecutive term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, industry observers have noted the party's dominant presence in campaigns, irrespective of the mediums used for publicity. In an interview with PTI, Rao said he revised the initial expenditure estimate from Rs 1.2 lakh crore to Rs 1.35 lakh crore, factoring in electoral bond disclosures and accounting for all election-related expenses. "Initially, we estimated the expenditure at Rs 1.2 lakh crore. However, post the electoral bond stake disclosures, we've revised the figure to Rs 1.35 lakh crore," he said, adding that this estimate covered spending that took place 3-4 months before voting dates were announced. Rao emphasised that money flowed into the process through various means beyond electoral bonds. Recent observations by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) revealed a "significant lack of transparency" in <keyword id="20596430" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="political-funding" source="keywords">political funding</keyword> in India. From 2004-05 to 2022-23, approximately 60 per cent of contributions to the nation's six major political parties, totalling Rs 19,083 crore, came from undisclosed sources, including funds from electoral bonds, it claimed. The ADR has, however, refrained from providing any cumulative expenditure projections for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. "Pre-election activities are integral to <keyword id="21426857" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="campaign-spending" source="keywords">campaign spending</keyword> by parties and candidates, covering political rallies, transportation, hiring of workers including field and influencers and even the controversial horse-trading of political leaders," Rao said. The Election Commission's budget to manage the polls is expected to be 10-15 per cent of the total expenditure projection, he added. With a voter base of 96.6 crore, per-voter spending is estimated at around Rs 1,400. This surpasses the expenditure of the 2020 US elections, which stood at USD 14.4 billion or Rs 1.2 lakh crore, according to OpenSecrets.org, a nonprofit organisation based in Washington, DC, that tracks and publishes data on campaign finance and lobbying. Media campaigns across various platforms are predicted to account for 30 per cent of the total election spend, Rao said. "While visible spending is concentrated in the 45-day direct campaign period, the actual expenditure far exceeds this amount," he added. Parties and candidates often find ways to circumvent spending restrictions imposed by the Model Code of Conduct. In 2019, the CMS reported that the BJP accounted for 45 per cent of the total spending of Rs 60,000 crore, a share that Rao believes will increase in the 2024 elections. In his latest book, 'Next Big Game Changer of Elections', Rao highlighted the growing reliance on 'money power' over ideology in Indian politics. He lamented the transformation of election campaigns from ideology-driven movements to "jingoistic apparatuses" that leverage demographics to create divisive tactics and polarisation. Rao identified six key trends in the ongoing general election -- prolonged pre-poll activities, affluent candidates dominating the fray, the 'Mandi' phenomenon of political crossovers, manipulation through various channels, lack of fair play, and the power dynamics favouring incumbents. As digital campaigning gains prominence, political parties are engaging professional agencies for higher brand recall. Amit Wadhwa, CEO of leading advertising agency Dentsu Creative, said that there has been a significant surge in digital campaigning this year. He said political parties were behaving like corporate brands and were engaging professional agencies for higher brand recall. "With the inclusion of both direct and indirect digital campaigns, this medium's footprint is poised to become the mainstay, potentially outshining all others in this election. Television, digital platforms, and outdoor advertising are ahead, relegating print to fourth place," he projected, based on his observations. A top ad agency official said voters unaffiliated with any political ideology, referred to as 'fence-sitters,' are the primary targets of the intense visual campaigns launched by parties across various media. Social media giants like Meta and Google play significant roles in political campaigns, he said. Advertisement professional Jadavendra Sen categorised advertisements into three types - Above the Line (ATL) activities, which include outdoor, television, and print; Below the Line (BTL) activities, encompassing wall writings and posters; and Through the Line (TTL) activities, which involve third-party like influencers and digital platforms. Sen highlighted that during the initial voting phase in North Bengal, there was a notable demand for flex advertising. He anticipated that the intensity of visual campaigning would escalate with every passing election phase. In response to the spending budget this year, agencies associated with leading national parties like BJP and Congress did not offer any comments but acknowledged the increase had been significant. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/jiocinema-introduces-new-ad-free-premium-plans-starting-at-29/articleshow/109581033.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/jiocinema-introduces-new-ad-free-premium-plans-starting-at-29/articleshow/109581033.cms" target="_blank">An Ambani disruption in OTT: At just ₹1 per day, you can now enjoy ad-free content on JioCinema</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/realme-narzo-70-narzo-70x-5g-smartphones-launched-in-india-starting-at-11999/articleshow/109557895.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/realme-narzo-70-narzo-70x-5g-smartphones-launched-in-india-starting-at-11999/articleshow/109557895.cms" target="_blank">Realme Narzo 70, Narzo 70X 5G smartphones launched in India starting at ₹11,999</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-let-loose-event-scheduled-for-may-7-ipads-expected-to-be-launched/articleshow/109553148.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-let-loose-event-scheduled-for-may-7-ipads-expected-to-be-launched/articleshow/109553148.cms" target="_blank">Apple Let Loose event scheduled for May 7 – New iPad models expected to be launched</a>

2024 LS polls pegged as costliest ever, expenditure may touch ₹1.35 lakh crore: Expert

New Delhi [India], December 21: While making significant strides in various sectors, there are leaders in India who are standing out for their work worldwide. The "Global <keyword id="397956" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-leaders" source="Orion">Indian Leaders</keyword> 2023" list curated by World Brand Affairs has featured leaders from across the country who are known for their innovative, resilient, and persistent approach to functioning in their respective industries. These people are heading towards new heights and establishing standards for excellence. The list honors their outstanding efforts and accomplishments which have propelled their companies to unbound success. Their inclusion in the list highlights their exceptional abilities to navigate challenges, adapt to changing market trends, and consistently deliver groundbreaking results. Gaurav Munjal, CEO of Unacademy Gaurav Munjal is the co-founder and CEO of Unacademy, India's largest online learning platform. With a vision to democratize education, Munjal pioneered Unacademy's growth, transforming it into a leading ed-tech powerhouse. His innovative leadership has revolutionized accessible and quality education, empowering millions of learners across the globe. Kunal Shah, Founder of CRED Kunal Shah is the founder and CEO of CRED, a fintech startup revolutionizing credit card payments in India. As a serial entrepreneur, Shah previously founded FreeCharge, later acquired by Snapdeal. His innovative approach to creating rewarding credit experiences has helped CRED to redefine credit card usage while fostering financial literacy. Ashish Hemrajani, Co-founder and CEO of BookMyShow Ashish Hemrajis the co-founder and CEO of BookMyShow, India's leading online entertainment ticketing platform. Hemrajani's unique idea revolutionized the way people book tickets for movies, events, and live performances. His ingenious leadership transformed BookMyShow into a cultural phenomenon, reshaping the access to entertainment industry across the country. Fardin Sheikh, Managing Director at Wizence Group Fardin Sheikh is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of exemplary leadership experience, earning him recognition as a Distinguished Digital Transformation Leader. His dynamic career spans across various roles, showcasing a remarkable blend of strategic vision, project management acumen, and a strong commitment to driving digital innovation. Pariksha Rao, Founder of NuWe Starting as a Clinical Nutritionist, Pariksha Rao has morphed into various roles with the intent to help demystify and democratize healthcare. From maternal well-being to fetal health and tailored nutrition for weaning kids to teens, her work has helped impact over 200,000 lives over nearly two decades of her career. She continues to amplify her impact with NuWe. Poojaa Choprah, CEO and MD of Felix Impex Poojaa Choprah, a visionary CEO &amp; MD of Felix Impex Pvt Ltd., and founder of PNA ORIGINE, is renowned for strategic business acumen and market expansions. A trailblazer in entrepreneurship, her global fashion insights, artistic fervor as a Kathak dancer, and bespoke training expertise redefine success, weaving innovation and cultural fluency into her vibrant career. Amandeep Kaur Khangura, Director of Tru Prime Amandeep is a Canadian born entrepreneur who moved to India in 2011, and acquired Indian Citizenship to follow her passion to bring social empowerment in rural Punjab. During her time in Canada, Amandeep chaired HR &amp; Finance for a $500M project. Currently, in India, she operates Majara Dairy Farm which has 2,600 livestock and is the largest dairy farm operator in Punjab and one of the largest in India. Pt. Dr Sanjeev Kumar Srivastava, Nadi and Vedic Celebrity Astrologer Renowned globally as a luminary in Nadi and Vedic astrology, Pt. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Srivastava is celebrated across 70+ nations for his remarkable precision in predictions &amp; teaching Nadi Astrology. With an illustrious career spanning 27 years, his astonishing success rate of 95-97% and expertise in Nadi Nakshatra Sutras exemplify his command in the celestial arts. Dr Prachiti Punde, Director of Proluxe Dr Prachiti Punde is a powerhouse in Integrated Medicine, Director of Proluxe Pvt Ltd, and Mrs. Universe Tolerance 2021. She transforms health and lifestyle with an exclusive GLAMOWELL multi-experience centre and revolutionizes wellness with patented tools and a unique mobile app. Along with being a spiritually blessed child, she is also an Anesthetist and mindskills Trainer with 15+ books published. Sanju Pudyandil, Founder of Whitespace Brand Consulting Sanju Pudyandil, a luminary in brand management and marketing, launched Whitespace Brand Consulting after honing his expertise at Ray+Keshavan, presently Super Union. Renowned for orchestrating transformative corporate revamps, he spearheaded impactful makeovers for illustrious brands like Canara Bank, Trident Hotels, J&amp;K Bank, Punj Lloyd, CEAT Tyres, and Fair &amp; Lovely, among others. Stuti Galiya, Partner at Khaitan &amp; Co. Stuti, an esteemed Advocate and solicitor, serves as a Partner at Khaitan &amp; Co., excelling in mergers &amp; acquisitions, private equity, corporate laws, commercial contracts, and foreign investments. Recognized as the "Luxury Retail Lawyer of the Year 2023" by APAC Insider, her expertise in the luxury retail sector marks her as an ingenious leader in the Asia-Pacific legal domain. Srividhya, Founder of HITECH Engineering Solutions (India) Srividhya, founder of HITECH Engineering Solutions (India) holds a deeply rooted legacy in Construction since 1998. Her indomitable optimism defied industry challenges, establishing a prominent platform despite male-dominated norms. Under her guidance, the company thrives as a certified SSI unit with ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 &amp; OHSAS 4500: 2018 qualifications, renowned for cost-effective solutions nationwide and across Asia. Debabrata Sarkar, CMD at MicroAlgae Solutions Debabrata Sarkar is an agricultural innovator with 26+ years of global experience. Armed with a BCKVV agriculture degree and IIM Kolkata alumni status, he led strategic units for esteemed firms in Asia Pacific. He is currently serving as the CMD at MicroAlgae Solutions India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of AlgaEnergy Spain. Mogilipuri Krishna Chaitanya, Director at Wonder View Media As a Director at Wonder View Media Pvt Ltd, a CMPTL franchise specializing in IT services and Business Consulting, Mogilipuri Krishna Chaitanya facilitated substantial growth for his brother's business. With over 9 years of experience, he continues to excel as a Software Engineer at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and has made significant contributions to tech giants like Apple, Google, and more. Subhajit Banik, Founder of Birdlens Creation Subhajit ventured into photography in 2007 as a model, cultivating expertise in lighting and creative framing. Winner of the Glamhunt competition by ABP group in 2010, he founded Birdlens Creation in 2015. Specializing in wedding photography, Subhajit crafts timeless, emotive images reflecting couples' love and joy. Dr Rahul Mirchandani, Chairman &amp; Managing Director of Aries Agro Limited Dr Rahul Mirchandani, ranked among the 30 Most Innovative CEOs in India, has pioneered unique strategies to build 130+ Aries specialty crop nutrition brands. With a PhD in Management Studies, he teaches Marketing, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship across 50+ B-Schools. He plays key roles in CII's agriculture council, and key governmental panels and was the National Chairman of CII's Young Indians. Vinay Kumar Singh, Executive Director and CEO of Thomson Digital and Q&amp;I (India) Vinay Kumar Singh is the Executive Director and CEO of Thomson Digital and Q&amp;I, with over 30 years of industry expertise. He pioneered Thomson Digital in India and globally, founding associated companies and an education technology startup. Specializing in scientific and educational content, Vinay completed his Executive Training Programs at ISB Hyderabad. Saurabh Gupta, Founder &amp; CEO of Verismart.ai A 3-time entrepreneur and angel investor in 9 deep tech firms, Saurabh Gupta is now leading Verismart.ai which pioneer in blockchain-based Ad-tech/Data Interoperability platform with over 520M+ users data pipeline while ensuring privacy compliance. He also acquired dolphinchat.ai., and has been a speaker at 50+ global conferences talking about Blockchain and data privacy. Vikkas K Jha, Founder of Brand Kettle Vikkas K Jha, an ace marketing professional turned visionary entrepreneur, founded Brand Kettle amidst the pandemic. With expertise in Commercial Fitouts, Retail Roll-Outs &amp; experiential marketing, he expanded Brand Kettle's services, integrating 30+ brands, within 3 years. He is also driving impactful social change via the Brand Kettle Foundation's NGO initiatives. Atharva Bahadur, CEO of Drishti Pures Atharva Bahadur is the CEO of Drishti Pures in Lucknow. Under Atharva's leadership, Drishti Pures, a pioneering endeavor, engages abandoned, differently-abled children in producing Cold Pressed Oil and processing pure spices, aiming to foster self-reliance among them. Currently housing 260 abandoned children, Drishti remains the largest institution of its kind globally. Harsh Niwas, Manager Legal and Team Lead at Unitech Limited Harsh Niwas is an international consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the Real Estate and Mining industries. His expertise lies in project management, legal strategy, and stakeholder communication, delivering successful outcomes and operational efficiency. Known for strong leadership, negotiation, and collaboration skills, he ensures compliance and value creation within teams and organizations. Hussain Kalsekar, Founder and CEO of 366 DigitX Renowned for fostering enduring relationships with corporate decision-makers, Hussain Kalsekar has steered 366 DigitX to unparalleled heights. His client-centric approach has garnered him accolades globally. Recognized as one of the top 100 smartest digital marketing leaders by the World Marketing Congress, he was also recently honored among the Top 50 Global High Flyers and awarded as the Leader in Digital Marketing for 2023. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

Global Indian Leaders of The Year 2023 as per World Brand Affairs

<ul><li>For people looking to bring in 2023 with the perfect party, here’s a list of some of the most exciting events happening across India. </li><li>Chennai has a masquerade-themed party, while both Bangalore and Hyderabad have Paris-themed nights planned for the 31st. </li><li>Goa may be the ultimate destination to party like there’s no tomorrow but the list also includes NYE events taking place at Chandigarh, Jaipur, and of course, Mumbai. </li></ul>For two extremely long years, the people of the world ushered in the <keyword id="6389817" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-year" source="Orion">new year</keyword> cooped inside their homes. But that’s not how many, especially the millennials and Gen Z, plan to bring in 2023. If you count yourself in the list of people looking for an exciting party to set the tone for the new year, here’s a list of some of the best places across India hosting a bash on New Year’s eve: <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Delhi-NCR" comment="subhead2" text="Delhi-NCR">Delhi-NCR</cmsannotation> From Khan Market, Hauz Khas, and Mehrauli in Delhi to Cyberhub and 32nd Avenue (Milestone) in Gurgaon, there is no dearth of party spots in Delhi-NCR. But if you’re looking for something that screams NYE, then <a href="https://insider.in/new-year-eve-sohodelhi-nye-2023/event">Soho Club at Hotel Ashok </a>and Privee at Hotel Shangri-La are great picks. Famous ‘Amplifier’ singer Imran Khan will be performing live at Privee on the 31st, and the entry fee is ₹<a href="https://insider.in/imran-khan-live-on-new-years-eve-privee-the-ecstacy-hotel-shangri-la-eros-nye-2023/event">8,499</a>. The Ramada, in Gurgaon, has multiple events planned at various price packages - Glam night at Cafe Rouge, Bollywood Fiesta at Emerald, and Gourmet Exotica, <a href="https://insider.in/nye-celebration-ramada-central-gurgaon-nye-2023/event">among others</a>. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Mumbai" comment="subhead2" text="Mumbai">Mumbai</cmsannotation> The city that never sleeps certainly knows a thing or two about throwing lavish, star-studded parties. While no one can promise a chance encounter with these stars, you can party the night away like one – either at the ‘black-and-bling-themed soiree’ <a href="https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/grand-new-year/ET00347254">at the Grand Hyatt </a>starting at ₹6,234, or at the Grand New Year Festival at The Lalit Mumbai <a href="https://insider.in/the-lalit-mumbai-grand-new-year-festival-2023-nye-2023/event">starting at ₹2,000 </a>and comprising 5 different party zones, including a midnight pool party. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Bangalore" comment="subhead2" text="Bangalore">Bangalore</cmsannotation> India’s ‘tech city’ has also been bitten by the party bug. Multiple spots are hosting events on NYE. The top picks though, would be the ‘One night in Paris’ themed NYE bash hosted by XU Bangalore. And the Aura Edition 3.0 at Courtyard by Marriott. Both of these are <a href="https://in.bookmyshow.com/explore/new-year-parties-bengaluru">priced at ₹2,499</a> each. Apart from it, Ironhill, which claims to be one of the <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/ironhill-india-raises-a-toast-to-bengaluru-opens-worlds-largest-microbrewery/article34200466.ece">world’s largest microbreweries</a>, is also hosting New Year`s Bash 2K23, with prices <a href="https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/new-year-bash/ET00347081">starting at ₹7,999</a>. After the party, you could drive down to Coorg and taste the first coffee of the New Year in the middle of coffee plantations. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Goa" comment="subhead2" text="Goa">Goa</cmsannotation> Is there a place in Goa not fit for partying? There are so many options, it could get a little confusing for newcomers. You can party like there’s no tomorrow at the SINQ nightclub. Las Olas at Baga Beach is also organising a New Year bash featuring <a href="https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/badshah-live-on-new-years-eve-at-las-olas-baga-goa/ET00346687">rapper Badshah</a>, among other artists. And the Marbela Beach Resort is hosting <a href="https://insider.in/dubfire-masquerade-nye-2023/event">artist Dubfire </a>for its Masquerade party on the 31st. However, if you’re in the mood to try your luck at the slot machines or at playing cards for the night, then Deltin Royale Casino has lined up a plethora of acts and events, including the best of Goa’s bands and instrumentalists. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Hyderabad" comment="subhead2" text="Hyderabad">Hyderabad</cmsannotation> The city of Nizams offers delicacies, the famous Charminar, and a fair share of events for New Year’s eve. In one of Hyderabad’s most posh areas lies the Taj Deccan, a luxury hotel under the Taj group. And this new year’s, it’s hosting a ‘night in Paris’-themed event for the first time in Hyderabad. With the booking price starting at ₹1200, the event is ideal for families and friends. Apart from this, The Park Hyderabad is hosting a <a href="https://insider.in/glitz-new-year-eve-party-the-park-hyderabad-nye-2023/event">Glitz New Year Eve Party </a>- with three different NYE Parties in one place at a starting price of ₹2,499. The Prism Club &amp; Kitchen is hosting <a href="https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/nye-2023-the-prism-circus-2-0/ET00346352">Circus 2 .0 </a>featuring artists like EDM music producer Nucleya, Techno DJ Rabz, and many other artists. The ticket for Circus 2.0 starts at ₹4,000. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Kolkata" comment="subhead2" text="Kolkata">Kolkata</cmsannotation> The perfect union of history and modern culture, Kolkata is hosting some of the finest events for New Year’s Eve - such as the <a href="https://insider.in/constellation-i-nye-celebration-2022-nye-2023/event">Capella’s Constellation NYE Celebration </a>taking place at one of Kolkata’s finest boutique hotels, Altair. The booking starts at ₹7,000. Meanwhile, Raghav Chaitanya’s live concert will greet the patrons of The Westin on the 31st for a price of ₹<a href="https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/raghav-chaitanya-live-at-the-westin-kolkata/ET00347672">3,999</a>. And The Taj City Centre is organising a ‘<a href="https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/31st-night-at-crystal-taj-city-centre-kolkata/ET00347483">31st Night at Crystal</a>’ bash, offering liquor brands like Fratellin in wines - all for ₹3,500. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Chandigarh" comment="subhead2" text="Chandigarh">Chandigarh</cmsannotation> An upcoming party hub, Chandigarh certainly brings more to dance nights than foot-tapping dhol beats. Here are the main events happening in the city on December 31st - “JazzyB” live performance at the Hard Rock Cafe, Chandigarh; Sunanda Sharma’s live performance at JW Marriott’s Sparkles and Shine night; and New Year Bash with Babbu Maan at Forest Hill Golf &amp; Country Club Resort, Mohali. Also, after hosting the EDM duo Hari &amp; Sukhmani on Christmas, The Finch, Chandigarh is all set to host a night with famous Punjabi singer <a href="https://insider.in/new-year-bash-ft-jenny-johall-dj-yamya-the-finch-chandigarh-nye-2023/event">Jenny Johall and DJ Yamya </a>for the New Year’s. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Jaipur" comment="subhead2" text="Jaipur">Jaipur</cmsannotation> If partying like the royals is on your bucket list this year, then Jaipur has plenty of options to offer. The pink city is leading up to 2023 with singer Diljit Dosanjh’s live concert, as part of his Born to Shine World Tour. The tickets <a href="https://insider.in/saregama-live-born-to-shine-world-tour-ft-diljit-dosanjh-nye-2023/event">start at ₹3499 </a>and the event will take place at the Jaipur Exhibition &amp; Convention Centre (JECC). Apart from it, there is the ‘NYE 2023’ event taking place at Clark’s Amer, <a href="https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/nye-2023-at-clark-s-amer-jaipur/ET00347359">starting at ₹7,999</a>. Jaipur Adda, one of Jaipur’s most famous nightlife spots, is also hosting an NYE party, complete with firecrackers, unlimited drinks, a buffet dinner, and other activities. The price <a href="https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/new-year-party-at-jaipur-adda/ET00346239">starts at ₹2,999</a>. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Chennai" comment="subhead2" text="Chennai">Chennai</cmsannotation> Look beyond ‘lungi dance’, and you’ll see that Chennai grooves like no one’s business. In fact, for New Year’s, MGM Beach Resort is throwing a New Year Beach Party with unlimited food and alcohol at ₹3,999. Additionally, Radisson Blu is hosting a Masquerade Night with DJ Duke, <a href="https://insider.in/new-year-party-masquerade-night-2023-nye-2023/event">starting at ₹4,499</a>. Le Royal Méridien Chennai also has three different parties happening at one location, with tickets <a href="https://insider.in/indias-largest-2023-elite-party-nye-2023/event">starting at ₹1,499</a>. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Gokarna" comment="subhead2" text="Gokarna">Gokarna</cmsannotation> This quaint little beach town in Karnataka has a lot to offer - including the <a href="https://insider.in/gokarna-music-festival-30-new-year-blast-nye-2023/event">Gokarna Music Festival 3.0</a>. Different from most music festivals, this one starts with a trek but ends with DJ and beachside parties. Taking place at the Gokarna Main Beach, the festival starts at 10 in the morning on December 31, 2022, and ends on January 1, 2023. Tickets start at ₹4,999. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-11-samsung-galaxy-s23-iphone-15-and-other-smartphones-launching-in-india-in-2023/slidelist/96514043.cms">OnePlus 11, Samsung Galaxy S23, iPhone 15 and other smartphones launching in India in 2023</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/brahmastra-bhool-bhulaiyaa-2-darlings-lead-in-iifa-nominations/articleshow/96513477.cms">'Brahmastra', 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2', 'Darlings' lead in IIFA nominations</a>

From Delhi to Bangalore: the most exciting party spots you can bookmark for NYE

Kolkata, Apr 15 () The lockdown imposed to controlthe spread of COVID-19 pandemic has hit the sixth edition of'Boi Utsab' (mini book fair) in which over 300 new Bengalititles by big-time and small publications were slated to hitthe shelf on 'Bangla Nabo Barsho' (Bengali new year).The 'Boi Utsab' organised by Publishers andBooksellers' Guild was not held on April 14, the Bengali newyear due to the lockdown in force.President of the apex body of publishers in state,Tridib Chatterjee told on Wednesday that publishers wouldlook at this occasion for bringing out new titles, coveringdifferent fictional/non-fictional subjects and there was greatenthusiasm among Bengali readers."While we were going ahead with the plan andpublishers like Dey's Publishing, Mitra O Ghosh and otherswere all set to bring out several new titles, there were thequick, swift developments from mid-March triggered by thepandemic and before we could firm up an alternative plan, thelockdown started. All of us are now staring at a big loss," hesaid.Apu Dey from Dey's Publishing said three of theirimportant titles for Nabo Barsho release - which included acompilation of all literary works of late Bengali poet-writerBuddhadeb Guha, with the first volume slated to be publishedin this Poila Boisakh, the collection of all novels, includingunpublished ones, by writer Buddhadeb Guha - were ready forbinding when the lockdown began."Thousands of such printed contents are now lying atthe binding units in central Kolkata which are locked as theemployees havie left for home in villages or are stuck indifferent parts of locked down city," he said.Over 20 new Bengali titles were scheduled to bepublished by Dey's Publishing at the mini book fair duringNabo Barsho at College Square area, adjacent to the hub ofbooksellers and publications - College Street.Chatterjee said his Patrabharati publications wouldhave come up with several new titles and three of these titleswere at the binding unit when the pandemic alert set in andall the units suddenly shut down."Around four lakh people - small time booksellers, workers and owners of printing units and bindingunits, small time publishers, not to mention about biggerpublishers and their staff - are in serious crisis in theemerging situation and we are desperately looking for asolution," he said.Dey said since non-text and reference books don't fallin the category of essential services, "we are not able todeliver online orders and make up the loss."Chatterjee claimed Kerala government has includedonline delivery of non-text books in the essential categoryduring COVID-19 lockdown."We would soon approach West Bengal Chief MinisterMamata Banerjee with a similar plea. Books help to shape ourviews, knowledge, and curiosity about life and enrich usmentally. Can't books be considered an essential part in ourlives," he wondered.Asked when the unpublished books can hit the stands,Chatterjee said, "we have plans to release our five titlesduring foundation day celebration of our publication inAugust. Dont know what others will do. But we are lookingforward to improve the situation first."A spokesman of Mitra o Ghosh Publishers said, "we hadplans to bring out several new titles during this time.Nababarsho used to be an important occasion for years for ourold publication. And this new book event at College Street hadgiven new thrust in the Bengali book publishing business forpast six years to counter the threat from e-books. But coronahas suddenly changed everything."Guild sources did not give a specific figure aboutlast year's book sales during week long Naba Barsho event butsaid there were decent sales in 80 stalls .Publishers said the tradition of authors, publishersand booklovers assembling at College Street on the first dayof the Bengali New Year to have a debate on literature overfood and music at the offices of different publishers hadstarted in the 60s, which witnessed a declining trend since2000 but still continued.As part of the effort to revive the tradition, Guildstarted the Nabobarsho Boi Utsav on 2014 and this was thefirst time that the Boipara wore a desolate forlorn look. SUSRG RG

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