While digitization has accelerated the growth of the Hindi book market, Dr. Biharilal Jalandhari, a prominent author from Uttarakhand with 25 books, expresses concerns over its negative impact. He notes that translating Hindi works into English often leads readers to prefer English versions, limiting exposure to the original Hindi texts.

“Currently, only novels and storybooks are widely popular,” he observes. Dr. Jalandhari also points out the decline in Hindi readership, particularly for reference books, which offer valuable historical and political insights.

Despite these concerns, Hindi literature was well represented at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025, with 365 stalls and around 170 exhibitors, according to Amit Singh, the public relations head of the National Book Trust (NBT). Singh highlights the growing popularity of authors aged 25-30, especially those leveraging social media platforms. “Digitization has certainly helped revive the Hindi book market,” he adds, noting that publishers like Manjul have ventured into audiobooks and podcasts.

However, for many, the appeal of traditional paperbacks remains unmatched. Rajvinder, a Hindi student from Kurukshetra University in Haryana, expresses a deep fondness for Hindi literature, especially the book Shekhar: Ek Jivani by Agyeya. “Audiobooks don’t allow you to reflect on each sentence,” he says, browsing through a stall. “When you hold a book, you pause to think.” He also mentions the negative impact of social media on attention spans.

Regional language publishing is experiencing a surge, with publishers like Ganesh Khushgal of Winsar Publishing House in Uttarakhand noting a significant improvement in the availability of books in languages like Garhwali and Kumaoni, which were once scarce.

To promote reading, writing, and book culture, the NBT’s YUVA 2.0 scheme runs an author mentorship program, selecting 75 students through an All India contest. These students submit manuscripts, which are evaluated, and the winners receive mentorship from distinguished authors. NBT then publishes the books and translates them into multiple languages.