Participating in the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair in 2025 was an enriching experience for Mayaa SH, given the fair’s historical significance and cultural impact. The 48th International Kolkata Book Fair took place between 28 January and 9 February 2025 at the Boimela Prangan Karunamoyee, Salt Lake. Timing for 48th International Kolkata Book Fair was Daily 12 pm to 8 pm. The theme for 2025 was Germany. The Kolkata Book Fair, established in 1976, is one of Asia’s largest literary events and serves as a platform for authors, publishers, and readers to engage with literature from around the world. The International Kolkata Book Fair (formerly Calcutta Book Fair) is a winter fair in Kolkata. It is a unique book fair in the sense of not being a trade fair—the book fair is primarily for the general public rather than whole-sale distributors. It is the world’s largest non-trade book fair, Asia’s largest book fair (by publishers) and the most attended book fair in the world. It is the world’s third-largest annual conglomeration of books after the Frankfurt Book Fair and the London Book Fair. Many samaritans consider the book fair an inherent part of Kolkata, and instances of people visiting the fair every day during its duration are not uncommon. The mascot of the 2025 International Kolkata Book Fair was two ducks named “Haso and Hasi”. The mascots were dressed in blue to represent the focus country, Germany.
Overview of Mayaa SH’s Contributions:
Mayaa SH is a prominent Indian authoress known for her significant contributions to contemporary literature and advocacy for women’s empowerment. Her works often explore themes such as self-belief, motivation, and the empowerment of women, making her a vital figure in the literary community. One of her notable works is “Swayam,” which has garnered numerous accolades for its innovative design and impactful content. Mayaa SH’s association with the past participation at almost all Kolkata Book Fairs is also marked by recognition from literary communities. Being honored as a Grandmaster Featured Authoress at the fairs has highlighted her contributions to contemporary Indian literature and solidifies her status as an influential figure within this space. Such accolades not only celebrate her achievements but also encourage other aspiring authors, particularly women, to pursue their literary ambitions.
The Significance of the International Kolkata Book Fair:
The Kolkata Book Fair is one of India’s most popular literary events, attracting thousands of visitors each year. It provides a platform for diverse voices in literature and fosters a sense of community among writers. The fair features numerous publishers, seminars, panel discussions, and cultural events that celebrate Bengal’s rich socio-cultural legacy. Mayaa SH’s participation in this prestigious event not only celebrated her individual success but also contributed to the broader narrative of women’s empowerment in literature. Her participation of her book Swayam at the fair emphasizes the importance of literary contributions and serves as an inspiration for aspiring authors. In summary, Mayaa SH’s recognition at the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair 2025 highlights her significant contributions to literature and women’s rights advocacy while promoting themes that resonate with contemporary societal issues
Cultural Exchange and Networking Opportunities:
The fair attracts participants from various countries, including Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and several Latin American nations. This diverse representation allows for significant cultural exchange and networking opportunities among authors and publishers. For all artists this means connecting with fellow writers and literary figures who share similar interests or themes in their work.
Showcasing Literary Works:
With over 1,000 stalls featuring books across genres, participating in such an event provides an opportunity to showcase one’s literary works to a broad audience. Mayaa SH and her colleagues could present her books to thousands of visitors who attend the fair daily. The presence of esteemed personalities like Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and international ambassadors added prestige to the event and can enhance visibility for participating authors.
Engagement with Readers:
The book fair is not just about selling books; it also emphasizes reader engagement through discussions, book launches, and performances. Many could participate in panel discussions or workshops that delve into topics relevant to writing or areas of expertise. Engaging directly with readers allows authors to gain insights into their audience’s preferences and feedback on their work.
Celebration of Literature:
The International Kolkata Book Fair celebrates literature as a vital part of culture and society. With its theme country being Germany this year, there were likely to be special events highlighting German literature alongside Bengali works. This celebration fostered a sense of community among writers and readers alike.
Themes Explored by Mayaa SH:
Mayaa’s writings focus on critical issues such as gender equality, social justice, and mental health awareness. By addressing these contemporary societal challenges, she resonates with readers and encourages new authors to explore similar topics that reflect their experiences or those of marginalized communities. Her commitment to uplifting women’s voices in literature is evident through her active involvement in discussions surrounding women’s empowerment in leadership roles within the literary field.
Conclusion:
In summary, participating in the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair is a valuable experience for all including Mayaa SH due to its potential for cultural exchange, networking opportunities with other authors and publishers, showcasing her literary works to a large audience, engaging directly with readers through discussions and workshops, and celebrating literature within a vibrant community setting. Mayaa SH associates herself with each year’s all Kolkata Book Fairs because they provide a vital platform for promoting literature, advocating for women’s empowerment, gaining recognition for her work, networking within the literary community, and engaging with contemporary societal issues.
About The Author
Mayaa SH is a multifaceted personality – a poetess, essayist, thinker, and social and legal activist. She’s famous for her incredible contributions to contemporary Indian literature and her tireless advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment. Mayaa SH is a prominent figure in India’s contemporary literature and a relentless advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. Her work focuses on feminism, gender equality, and mental health awareness, with a vision to create a society where women have equal rights and opportunities. She is thirteen times World Record Holder for her accomplishments. She is an internationally acclaimed authoress and holds many National and State Awards for her contributions to literature and social activism and her vast reach of work towards uplifting women across the world. Mayaa SH has been featured in numerous magazines and over 86 publications, including international ones like Tejaswi – The Imperishable on Women Power and Honour. Mayaa SH is deeply involved in advocating for reforms in family law, particularly regarding women’s rights and gender-based violence. She emphasizes the importance of education, mental health awareness, and financial independence as key factors for women’s empowerment. Mayaa SH has co-authored over 200 plus anthologies and published several solo books, making her a respected name in the literary world. Her writings challenge societal dogma and highlight the importance of gender neutrality and women’s empowerment. Mayaa SH’s ideology is rooted in feminism, social activism, and humanism. Mayaa SH advocates for equal rights and opportunities for women in all spheres of life. She has challenged patriarchal norms and societal dogma that perpetuate gender-based violence and discrimination.
Mayaa SH has deeply emphasised on the importance of women’s autonomy, agency, and decision-making power in their own lives.She has advocated for human rights, particularly for marginalized communities, including women, children, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Mayaa SH works towards creating a more just and equitable society, free from discrimination and oppression. She believes in the power of education and awareness to bring about social change and promote empathy and understanding.
Mayaa SH has laid emphasis on the importance of compassion, empathy, and kindness in human relationships. She advocates for mental health awareness and support, recognizing the importance of emotional well-being. She has promoted inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance, celebrating the unique experiences and perspectives of all individuals. Mayaa SH’s ideology is centered around creating a more just, equitable, and compassionate society, where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential. As a social and legal activist, Mayaa SH advocates for reforms in family law, particularly regarding women’s rights and gender-based violence. Her commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality has made her a respected and influential voice in India and beyond.
