News Desk, News Nation 360 : The 47th International Kolkata Book Fair, one of the largest literary events, will take place at Salt Lake, Kolkata's Central Park Mela Ground until January 31 (IKBF). For the fourth time, the United Kingdom (UK) is the main theme nation at the IKBF 2024. A long-standing partnership exists between West Bengal and the UK in the areas of literature, English language instruction, artistic and cultural cooperation, and academic and student exchanges. In honour of the British Council's 75th anniversary in India, the UK Pavilion presents the pinnacle of British academic achievement, literature, and culture. A digital library, sessions with authors, conversations with UK academics and experts, an enlightening look at the "Future of English," and access to information about studying at some of the top academic institutions in the world are just a few of the experiences available to visitors. At the centre of the IKBF is the UK Theme Country Pavilion, which was opened by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the presence of British High Commissioner Alex Ellis CMG and British Council Director for India Alison Barrett MBE.
The UK pavilion provides a deeper understanding of UK culture and expertise, as well as the opportunities created by the partnership between the two entities, to both visitors and the youth of Kolkata. There are several exciting events at the UK Pavilion on Friday, January 19, 2024, the first day of the 47th International Kolkata Book Fair. Join Michael Wilson, Loughborough University's Head of Creative Arts and Drama Professor at 4:00 PM for an insightful "GREAT Talk" on using storytelling to spark group conversations about climate change. At 5:00 PM, there will be a session with author Nandini Das. Structural engineer Roma Agrawal MBE gives a talk at 6.30 p.m. on "Three Bridges." A fascinating exploration of "New Creative Worlds: AI and Robotics at the Frontiers of Innovation" will be provided by Dr. Robert Potts at 6:45 PM. More enriching events are planned for the weekend, such as a micro-bit judging competition, talks about literature and language learning, and an interesting investigation of "Digital Storytelling and Slow Storytelling" with Michael Wilson on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 4:00 PM. There will be a wide range of events in the next few days, including talks by renowned writers Indrajit Hazra and Sebastian Faulks and conversations about the future of non-human resources. Additionally, there are open-forum questions, kid-friendly craft projects, and thought-provoking talks about languages, translation, and pop culture. Speaking at the IKBF, Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council, said that the initial enthusiasm for the UK Theme Country Pavilion at the International Kolkata Book Fair has them giddy. The literary connections between West Bengal and the UK are longstanding and have established the groundwork for current and future collaborations and opportunities. In honour of the British Council's 75th anniversary in India, they are bringing Kolkata the best of the UK at the IKBF.
Pic - Courtesy
