The World Book Fair, organised by the National Book Trust, has dedicated this year’s event to our brave soldiers, naming the theme “Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @ 75”, intended to infuse a sense of patriotism in Gen Z.
The theme pays tribute to our armed forces and their legacy of courage and sacrifice. A 1,000-square-metre theme pavilion in Hall 5 offers a 360-degree view; over 500 books narrate valour tales and experiences of soldiers, along with specially curated posters and featured documentaries spellbind the visitors. Furthermore, mesmerising replicas of the Arjun Tank, INS Vikrant and LCA Tejas, coupled with a photo gallery representing 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees, remain the key attractions.
“It’s an amazing combination of books and guns, while one teaches us dignity, the other empowers us to protect that dignity,” said Diksha, a second-year student of Delhi University’s Hindu College.
As we are aiming to be a superpower, a strong economy makes us stand confident before the world, but a strong and well-equipped army ensures that we remain confident. A country’s borders clear a line between other nations and us, and it’s a soldier who puts his life at stake to ensure that the line remains intact. Hence, we should respect our army, she further said.
Organised by the National Book Trust (NBT), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Education, this year’s 53rd edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair from Jan 10-18 is free for visitors. This aims to encourage wider participation and improve access to books, ideas and national history for students, families, veterans and first-time readers.
“The 2026 edition seeks to highlight the role of the Indian Armed Forces in nation-building, while presenting military service as a reflection of duty, restraint and the pursuit of peace,” said Professor Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman, National Book Trust of India, ““The 1,000-square-foot Indian Army pavilion reflects our effort to highlight the Armed Forces’ role in nation-building and present military service as a commitment to duty, restraint and peace, while helping younger generations engage with this legacy beyond the battlefield.”
The focus of the exhibition was also highlighted at the inauguration by Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan. “This Delhi Book Fair is themed on the glorious history of the Indian Armed Forces. The theme is aimed at bringing the armed forces’ history to the young generation,” he said.
Spread across 1,000 square feet, the Indian Army pavilion has been designed as an experiential space that brings together archival material, personal narratives and interactive displays. The pavilion traces the evolution of the Army as both a fighting force and a national institution, encouraging visitors to engage with history through reading, listening and interaction.
Books remain at the core of the fair, with more than 500 titles on the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force on display. The collection includes works on military history, biographies, memoirs and strategic thought, offering readers a comprehensive view of leadership, service and national security. Visitors also get unprecedented opportunities to listen to brave soldiers like Lt Gen (retd) KJS Dhillon, author of the widely acclaimed book “Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye”, which recalls incidents of counter-terrorism operations in Kashmir. The youth seem desperate to know the untold stories, whether they pertain to historical wars or military operations.
Extending beyond books, the exhibition also features live military inventories used for border deployment. Prominent displays include the Arjun Tank and a detailed replica of aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which have drawn significant interest from visitors.
A dedicated section honours 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees, presenting stories of gallantry in a restrained format that highlights courage, sacrifice and the human dimension of military service.
The fair is also hosting over 100 defence-themed talks, panel discussions and book launches featuring veterans, historians and authors. These sessions aim to connect historical experiences with present responsibilities and future security challenges.
By integrating literature, artefacts and public dialogue, the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 seeks to present India’s martial tradition as one rooted in leadership, service and the enduring pursuit of peace.
The New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 brings together a significant global presence, with participation from over 35 countries, more than 1,000 publishers, over 3,000 stalls, 600 literary and cultural events, and over 1,000 speakers, positioning it among the world’s largest literary gatherings.
