President of
the Republic of Korea is the First Visitor to India Pavilion
at Seoul
International Book Fair 2013
'The first
visitor to Pavilion put up by India, the Guest of Honour country at Seoul
International Book Fair 2013, was Ms. Park Geun-hye, Honourable President of
the Republic of Korea, who was received by Shri Jitin Prasada, Hon'ble Minister
of State for Human Resource Development, Government of India. Shri Prasada
showed her the India Pavilion, which has a huge replica of Sanchi Gate as the
main entrance. Shri Prasada also gifted to the President the first copy of
the graphic novel 'Sriratna & Kim Suro: The Legend of an Indian Princess
in Korea' published by National Book Trust, India, the nodal agency for the
co-ordination of Guest of Honour programmes at Seoul International Book Fair.
Written by N. Parthasarathi and illustrated by Soumitra Dasgupta, the book
tells the story of the Princess Sriratna marrying King Kim Suro of Korea in AD
48. Together they founded the Gaya Kingdom in Korea. The President showed keen
interest in the Buddha sculpture and the Buddhist Literature and Exhibition of
Books on Mahatma Gandhi. Among the stopovers at the huge India Pavilion spread
over 1000 square metres was a corner dedicated to the books on Indian Cinema.
Later, Shri Jitin Prasada, Hon'ble
Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Government of India, who is
leading a delegation of 40 Indian publishing professionals including many CEOs
and MDs of publishing houses, six authors, and senior officials, formally
inaugurated the India Pavilion by releasing the above Graphic Novel and ten
books of National Book Trust, India brought out in Korean translation. Speaking
on the occasion, Shri Jitin Prasada stated, “I am sure Indian publishers
present here will seek opportunity to have strong tie-ups in the field of
publishing children literature, digital publishing, Indology and Buddhist Literature.”
Complimenting the efforts of National Book Trust, India for putting up a
‘magnificent India Pavilion’, Shri Prasada stated, “The range of books that
have been put on display, alongwith the colourful posters, have spread very
vibrant feelings.”
Shri A. Sethumadhavan, Chairman, in his
welcome speech hoped that the present presentation of India at SIBF would
create a better perception about Indian publishing and literary scene in Korea.
Shri Vishnu Prakash, Ambassador of India to Korean and Mr. Eric Yang, Executive
Director, Korean Publishers’ Association also spoke on the occasion. Shri M A
Sikandar, Director, NBT proposed a vote-of-thanks after a Kathak dance
performance organised by Indian Cultural Centre, Embassy of India.
Later in the day, an illustrators’
workshop with 25 Korean children was organised, wherein the children
illustrated the story of Ms. Geeta Dharmarajan under the supervision of the
eminent artist Mr. Suddhosatwa Basu.
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