Delhi: BluOne Ink presents Jaipur BookMark 2026, South Asia’s premier B2B publishing conclave, celebrated its 13th edition from January 15 to 19, 2026, at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur. Running concurrently with the 19th Jaipur Literature Festival, this vibrant platform has long served as a cornerstone for the Indian publishing ecosystem. Over the years, it has nurtured growth, resilience, and creativity while facilitating essential professional connections in the global book trade.
The conclave unites publishers, literary agents, editors, writers, translators, booksellers, and diverse stakeholders from India and abroad. It creates opportunities for enduring collaborations, meaningful dialogue, and fresh ideas that address the changing dynamics of publishing across languages, cultures, and markets. By bridging regional traditions with international perspectives, Jaipur BookMark reinforces its role as a vital hub for cultural and commercial exchange in South Asia.
The inaugural ceremony featured prominent voices from publishing, literature, and cultural leadership reflecting on the transforming landscapes of books and readership. Festival Producer Sammohan Mathodia introduced the programme, followed by the unveiling of the Translation Rights Catalogue by Festival Director Manisha Chaudhary, Norwegian Ambassador H.E. May Elin Stener, and team members. Ambassador Stener expressed delight in the event’s support for literary communities, stressing that freedom of expression remains a cornerstone of democratic societies like Norway and India. Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, highlighted the conclave’s expanding international reach. Co-director Namita Gokhale spoke of the rich literary exchanges that define Jaipur BookMark, while Dr. Pariksith Singh of BluOne Ink underscored the timeless value of language and storytelling. Keynote speaker Ranjit Hoskote emphasized that publishing transcends mere commerce—it must be viewed as a profound cultural practice.
Opening Dialogues: Translation, Design, and Emerging Trends
The opening sessions set an engaging tone for the edition. In “Illuminating Translations,” Deepa Bhasthi explored writing and translating for an international audience. She challenged rigid standards of “proper” English, celebrating the diversity, dialects, and nuances inherent in Indian English variations. Rejecting artificial benchmarks, she advocated for embracing linguistic richness. Following this, “Designed to Please” brought Gunjan Ahlawat and Ujan Dutta into conversation with Devangana Dash on the critical role of design, aesthetics, and visual appeal in captivating readers and enhancing book production.
On the second day, discussions turned toward the industry’s horizon. “Futurescape: Spotting Trends in the Publishing Industry” featured Emma House and Samir Patil in dialogue with Meru Gokhale, examining emerging technologies like generative AI and their transformative impact on publishing practices. Another highlight, “Hindi Literary Podcasts: Sahitya ke Naye Khojdeep,” convened Anjum Sharma, Anurag Minus Verma, and Arti Jain with Jai Prakash Pandey to explore how digital audio platforms invigorate Hindi literature and reach new audiences.
Now in its 13th year, Jaipur BookMark solidifies its status as a leading forum for professional and cultural engagement. By fostering conversations that cross linguistic, regional, and national divides, it remains indispensable to the evolving narrative of publishing in India and beyond. As the conclave continues to spotlight innovations, translations, and diverse voices—including focuses on Marathi literature and global partnerships—it inspires collaboration and forward-thinking in an ever-changing literary world.