The National Book Trust (NBT) of India is set to relocate its Mumbai office to Pune, a move expected to bolster the city’s burgeoning literary landscape. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Pune Book Festival office and the groundbreaking ceremony for the exhibition stalls at Fergusson College grounds on Thursday. BJP leader and MLA Chandrakant Patil confirmed the decision, emphasising its cultural significance for Pune.
This relocation comes alongside the second edition of the Pune Book Festival, scheduled from 14 to 22 December 2024. After last year’s overwhelming response, the event anticipates a footfall of 7.5 lakh visitors. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has facilitated the move by allotting office space on rent to NBT, underscoring the city’s commitment to becoming a literary hub. Yuvraj Malik, Director of NBT, highlighted the significance of this shift, especially after Marathi’s recognition as a classical language. He announced plans to translate Marathi books into other Indian languages, promoting their rich cultural heritage on a national scale. “The Pune office will focus on bridging linguistic gaps and bringing Marathi literature to a wider audience,” Malik added.
Festival organiser Rajesh Pandey also spoke about the event’s growing scale. “The Pune Book Festival is a people’s event. Public participation is crucial, and we expect a threefold increase in stalls from last year’s 200 registrations,” he remarked. With its new Pune base, NBT is set to revitalise India’s literary scene, especially in Western India. This shift not only strengthens Pune’s cultural fabric but also reaffirms its position as a centre for intellectual and artistic growth.
