The upcoming 50th International Kolkata Book Fair 2027 has become the subject of a growing public debate after reports emerged that Israel is being considered as the theme country for the event.

The Kolkata Book Fair is scheduled to take place from January 22 to February 3, 2027. Organisers have announced that the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ will be the central theme of the golden-jubilee edition. At the same time, reports have stated that Israel is being considered as the theme country, although the proposal had not received final government approval according to reports published earlier this month.

Change.org Petition Raises Objection

Against the reported proposal, a petition titled “Reject Israel as theme country for Kolkata Book Fair 2027” has been launched on Change.org.

The petition was created on September 22, 2026, and is addressed to the Publishers & Booksellers Guild. The petition says that its authors learned through media reports that Israel was being considered as a possible theme country. Importantly, the petition itself acknowledges that the authors were not certain about the accuracy of the initial report.

The petition argues that making Israel the theme country would conflict, in the petitioners' view, with the cultural traditions and values associated with the Kolkata Book Fair. It also raises the issue of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict and India's foreign-policy position. These are the views and arguments of the petition's organisers, rather than an official position of the Kolkata Book Fair authorities.

At the time of checking the petition page, it showed 1,795 verified signatures.

What Are the Organisers Saying?

Media reports indicate that the idea of Israel as the theme country has been discussed by the advisory structure associated with the 2027 book fair.

According to The Times of India, advisory board convener Prasenjit Bakshi said that the 2027 fair would have multiple themes. He described the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ as the primary theme, while Israel was being considered as the theme country.

Other subjects reportedly being considered for the 2027 edition include the Partition and formation of West Bengal, the centenary of actor Uttam Kumar, the centenary of Rabindranath Tagore's Raktakarabi, and other significant cultural and historical anniversaries.

Why Has the Proposal Become Controversial?

The controversy is taking place against the backdrop of the continuing Israel-Palestine conflict.

The Change.org petition argues that the selection of a country as the official theme country carries cultural and symbolic significance. According to the petitioners, giving Israel this status during the present international situation could send a message with which they disagree.

A separate Change.org petition has also been launched appealing to the Publishers & Booksellers Guild, Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre and National Book Trust to withdraw the reported proposal. That petition similarly frames the issue around the Israel-Palestine conflict, Palestinian self-determination and the cultural character of the Kolkata Book Fair.

At the same time, the reported proposal should not be confused with a final official decision. Multiple reports have stated that the selection of the theme country was still under consideration and that final approval had not yet been given.

Kolkata Book Fair 2027: A Landmark Edition

The 2027 edition will be particularly significant because it will mark the 50th International Kolkata Book Fair.

The organisers have already identified the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram as the central theme. The anniversary connects the event with India's literary and historical heritage and is expected to form an important part of the fair's programme.

The question of the theme country, therefore, has added another layer to preparations for the landmark edition.

What Happens Next?

For now, the key point is that Israel's selection as the theme country has been reported as a proposal under consideration, not as a finalised decision.

The public discussion has included objections from petitioners and sections of the literary and publishing community, while the organisers' advisory process is continuing.

The final decision regarding the theme country will determine how the international component of the 2027 Kolkata Book Fair is presented.

For readers, writers, publishers and cultural organisations, the debate also raises a broader question: how should an international literary festival balance cultural exchange with contemporary international issues?

The answer will ultimately depend on the decision taken by the relevant organisers and authorities.

Petition

The Change.org petition “Reject Israel as theme country for Kolkata Book Fair 2027” is available online for people who want to read the petition's arguments and see its current signature count.