Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today inaugurated the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Qatar’s Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Al Thani, Spain’s Minister of Culture Mr. Ernest Urtasun Domènech, senior officials from the Ministry of Education, and representatives from participating countries.
During the event, Shri Pradhan paid tribute to Veer Surendra Sai and the martyrs of Sambalpur and released the book “The Saga of Kudopali: The Untold Story of 1857”. The book has now been launched in nine Indian languages and Spanish, expanding its reach beyond national boundaries. A video presentation highlighting the historical significance of Kudopali and its role in India’s freedom struggle was also showcased.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Pradhan described NDWBF 2026 as the world’s largest Business-to-Consumer (B2C) book fair, calling it not just a marketplace of ideas but a grand celebration of India’s vibrant reading culture. He noted that the theme of this year’s fair, “Indian Military History: 75 Years of Valour and Knowledge,” along with the participation of countries such as Qatar and Spain, has further enhanced the fair’s cultural and intellectual significance.
The Minister highlighted that The Saga of Kudopali uncovers lesser-known chapters of the freedom movement from the Sambalpur region. Originally published in Hindi, English, and Odia, the book is now available in 13 languages, reflecting India’s commitment to multilingualism and global knowledge exchange. He termed the initiative a fitting tribute to the legacy of Veer Surendra Sai and the sacrifices of the martyrs of Kudopali.
