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Indian writers going places....

Smriti Kak Ramachandran

Indian writing the talk of the town in Paris

NEW DELHI: Rising above linguistic handicaps and dispelling pre-conceived notions, writings from India -- a country that continues to be surreal for many the world over -- has fascinated readers offshore.

If footfalls and sales at the Paris Book Fair-2007 "Salon du Livre" are any indicator, Indian authors have reason to be exultant. The literary event, organised between March 23 and 27 with India as the "Guest of Honour", registered a high turnout and great sales.

"The fair, which had 30 Indian authors, was a fantastic success. Indian writing drew lots of crowds," says a visibly pleased Dominique Girard, Ambassador of France in India. The event was organised to allow an interaction between the French public and Indian authors.

"It was a public event, not for professionals. We wanted to make the public happy. The event allowed real contact between authors and people," says Mr. Girard.

Reinforcing relations

Perceived as an opportunity to reinforce Indo-French cultural relations, the fair had an added incentive for authors. "Indian authors have been happy to have exchanged contacts with French publishers," he says.

Pointing out that there is a price regulation that publishers have to adhere to, he adds: "To ensure that books do not become easily disposable, there is a minimum retail price. No one is allowed to lower prices, so the market is pretty lucrative for authors."

On India being chosen as the "Guest of Honour'', Mr. Girard says: "India has attracted much attention. In the past we have had countries like Russia and China, but given the growth of general interest in India, we felt it was topical to choose the country."

Referring to books as "the most sensitive area, which affords an opportunity to understand better what people have to say", Mr. Girard says: "We have had several opportunities to bring Indian authors to France, but this is the first time we invited new generation authors who are quite successful."

Commenting on the response to Indian writings that have been translated for the French masses, the Ambassador says: "The French public does not care about original language. If they like a book, they do not think whether the book was written in Hindi or Malayalam. In fact, more and more vernacular books are being translated into French."

According to the Ambassador, setting up shows that highlight the culture of India through dance, painting and music on French soil is proof of Indo-French cultural ties being strengthened.

"A week after the fair we had a major exhibition of Indian art during the Gupta period. The authorities in Lille organised cultural events with Indian painters and performers. These too have been successful," he adds.

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