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Max Mueller Bhavan | India

Event series

28 January - 9 February, 2025 | Germany Pavilion, Boimela Prangan, Salt Lake, Kolkata

International Kolkata Book Fair

Germany as the Focal Theme Country at the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair 2025

Bookfair general square © Goethe-Institut

Book fair general © Goethe-Institut

Germany is the focus country at 48th International Kolkata Book Fair 2025, celebrating the deep literary and cultural ties between the two countries, Germany and India. The platform will showcase Germany’s rich literary scene, cultural diversity and collaborations with India and South Asia.

The event will be inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal Smt. Mamata Banerjee, with German Ambassador to India and Bhutan Dr. Philipp Ackermann, and Goethe-Institut South Asia’s Regional Director Dr. Marla Stukenberg as chief guests. Mr. Peter Limbourg, Director General of Deutsche Welle, will also be present at the book fair.

The theme of Germany’s participation will highlight sustainability and diversity, reflecting shared global values. Through engaging discussions, book launches, cultural programs, interactive workshops and exhibitions, Germany will showcase its commitment to promoting eco-consciousness and inclusivity in literature, art and beyond.

The theme pavilion, Shelf Life, designed by renowned architect Anupama Kundoo, will highlight the importance of books and knowledge in shaping human civilization. Known globally for her sustainable architectural practices, Ms. Kundoo has crafted the pavilion with sustainability as a guiding force. Her innovative approach reflects a cultural reverence for books and knowledge. With studio bases in Berlin and Pondicherry, she represents the strong tie between the two countries. Anupama Kundoo will also be present at the inaugural ceremony.

Germany as the focal theme country will feature programs under the categories “Book Talks”, “Making Books Public”, “Live, Study and Work in Germany”, “Young Readers”, “Science Talks” and “Exhibitions”, catering to a broad and diverse audience. The events will host variety of voices represented through authors, graphic novelists, publishers and representatives from international literature festivals and institutions.

Authors like Ulrike Almut Sandig, Monica Cantieni, Christian Kracht, Max Czollek, Tonio Schachinger, Christopher Kloeble, David Wagner among others will be present at the book fair. Graphic novelists like Aisha Franz, Bea Davies and Maren Amini will be attending the event with others from “Dreamland Deutschland?” team. Apart from authors and graphic novelists, renowned publishers and representatives from international literature festivals and institutions like Birte Kreft (Managing Director of Stiftung Buchkunst, Frankfurt), Claudia Kaiser (Vice President, Frankfurt Book Fair), Lavinia Frey (Festival Director, International Literature Festival Berlin), Nora Mercurio (Head of the Rights & Acquisitions Department, Suhrkamp Verlag) will attend the book fair.

At the pavilion, visitors will find:
  • Information about Germany: Its culture, people, and global impact
  • Books and Art exhibitions
  • An overview of German literature
  • Language Learning: Resources and opportunities to study German
  • Higher Studies in Germany: Guidance on education pathways and scholarships
  • Career Opportunities: Insights into jobs and professional opportunities in Germany
  • Interactive installations
  • Musical Concerts
Germany as the Focal Theme Country is presented by Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan in collaboration with German Embassy New Delhi, German Consulate Kolkata, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), and Deutsche Welle.
 

Partners 

Book Fair logo panel © Goethe-Institut