For Bengali book lovers, the boimela is not just an event — its an emotional celebration. In fact, for anyone who finds joy in reading, the book fair is one of the most enriching festivals the world has to offer. Among these, the International Kolkata Book Fair stands tall as one of the most prestigious literary gatherings—not only in India but across the globe.

For Sister Nivedita University (SNU), the Kolkata Book Fair is much more than an event—it's a grand annual celebration that showcases creativity, culture, communication, and community.

The Rise of the Digital Age & SNU's Role

We are living in an era driven by digital innovation, where social media and online platforms shape much of our daily interactions. Especially in the post-COVID world, digital media has become an inseparable part of life. Recognizing this shift, the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, the organizing body of the International Kolkata Book Fair, sought to expand the fair’s reach globally through digital transformation.

Enter Sister Nivedita University, one of the youngest yet most dynamic universities in Eastern India. Since 2022, SNU has proudly partnered with the International Kolkata Book Fair as its official digital partner—a collaboration that has grown stronger and more impactful with each passing year.

A Four-Year Journey of Innovation (2022–2025)

Starting in 2022 and continuing through 2023, 2024, and 2025, SNU’s presence at the fair has only grown in scale and ambition. With every edition, the university has brought innovative contributions to the table—from live streaming day-long events and hourly coverage of the fairgrounds to producing on-the-spot content for a global audience.

The real heroes behind this execution? SNU’s students.

Equipped with hands-on knowledge and guided by experienced faculty from the fields of journalism, communication, design, and production, students handle everything—from running a temporary Production Control Room to publishing the fair’s in-house coverage journal, SNU Post. They are the photographers, ground reporters, producers, editors, and social media managers—gaining real-world experience in the most dynamic of settings.

Where Learning Meets the Real World

Sister Nivedita University believes in holistic education—going beyond textbook learning to prepare students for real-world challenges. The Kolkata Book Fair has become one of the university’s most impactful learning labs, where theory meets practice.

From print and digital journalism to broadcast coverage, the fair becomes a training ground for future professionals. The initiative is overseen and mentored by industry-seasoned professors who ensure quality and guide students with their real-world expertise.

2025’s Iconic Highlight – The First-Ever Mascot

The 2025 edition of the fair marked a historic first: the introduction of a mascot in the 48-year history of the Kolkata International Book Fair. Inspired by the swan, the sacred vehicle of Goddess Saraswati, the mascots "Haso" and "Hasi" became iconic symbols of the fair’s evolving identity.

SNU played a pivotal role in designing, animating, and promoting this mascot across various digital and physical platforms—another creative feather in the university’s cap.

 

Culture, Creativity, & Content Creation

SNU didn’t stop at coverage and technical production. The university also took part in cultural events, awareness campaigns, and book launches throughout the fair.

Prominent launches included:

• A book by Shanku Bose, CEO of Techno India Group
• Works by Minal Parekh, Dean of Journalism, Mass Communication, and Fine Arts
• A book authored by Professor Arindam Basu from the Department of Journalism
• Plus, original published works by students showcasing their literary talent

 

The SNU stall became a vibrant hub of knowledge-sharing and cultural exchange, featuring events from different departments and daily programming aimed at engaging a diverse audience.

Beyond Boundaries: SNU’s Guiding Philosophy

At the heart of SNU’s involvement lies its core philosophy: “Think Yourself Beyond Boundaries.” This mantra drives the university’s dedication to merging education with execution, theory with hands-on training, and vision with real-world impact.

By combining print, digital, and broadcast media, SNU is preparing students to become next-gen storytellers, content creators, and changemakers.

Experience the Fair Through Our Lens

Want a closer look at all that happened? Don’t miss the digital edition of SNU Post—packed with stories, photos, highlights, and behind-the-scenes moments from the 2025 International Kolkata Book Fair.

...