NBT newsletter Annual subscription Rs 5.00; 50 paise per copy Volume 31 No. 5 • May 2013
Contents LBF: Making Words Go Further Nazira Book Fair 3 Advisory Panel Meeting 3 Book fair and reading festival at gangtok 4 World Book and copyright day 5 India Guest of Honour at Seoul 5 Festival of Reading at Damanjodi 6 Remembering Tagore 6 ssentially a meeting of some of the out territorial sales areas, buy and sell Emost serious players in contemporary translation rights, celebrate new writings Recent Books from NBT 7 global publishing industry, the London and what the world will be reading in Book Fair is a global market place for the year ahead, showcase technology Rights negotiations and the sale and and innovation shaping the publishing Pick of the Month distribution of content across print, audio, industry of the future. TV, film and digital channels. This year the Market Focus Organised from 15-17 April 2013, at programme celebrated Turkey in all its Earls Court, London, the 42nd London colours. Turkey’s exciting and varied Book Fair, a leading spring publishing culture, arts and literature was the toast of event, brought visitors, direct access to the Fair. While over 30 Turkish publishers customers, content and emerging markets. gave us an insight into what Turkey writes In three days, more than 1,500 exhibitors today, the 60 odd literary events including from over 60 countries, met to negotiate seminars and discussions addressed a broad and seal deals and agreements, chalk range of areas and conversations with
Mirrored Images: An Anthology of Sri Lankan Poetry Rajiva Wijesinha (Ed.) ISBN 978-81-237-6734-5; Rs 150 and innovative approaches and ideas The NBT stall facilitated a large number in the world of children’s literature. of visitors with the exciting range of The visitor could participate in the books that India had to offer in English, conversations on expanding the Hindi and other Indian languages. ‘Books scope of books and reading, books from India: A Rights Catalogue’ brought that children want to read, engaging out on the occasion provided details of reading, the digital generation and the books published recently in India the future of children’s story time, as across various genres and languages. The well as an interactive afternoon with Catalogue guided foreign publishers and illustrators. Rights agents by introducing them to the some of the leading writers and publishing range of new writings from India. professionals of Turkey. Into its 10th Rights Centre With its mandated objective of year, the Market Focus programme places The most important part of the LBF was promoting Indian books abroad, the the spotlight on a country’s publishing the International Rights Centre, where NBT’s recent initiative of providing industry. India was the Market Focus over 400 publishers and Rights agents financial assistance to foreign publishers Country in the year 2009. participated. The largest of its kind, the keen on translating Indian works into Rights Centre gave agents and publishers their languages created a lot of interest Highlights of the Fair the opportunity to meet face-to-face with among the visitors. Speaking to a The London Book Fair hosted over 250 existing as well as new contacts, negotiate delegation of foreign publishers and seminars, presentations, author events and deals and agreements and promote new Rights agents, Shri A. Sethumadhavan sessions covering all areas of publishing. writings across languages. said, “India has a lot to offer particularly The Digital Zone played host to over in Indian languages. We have initiated 60 companies including e-distribution, this scheme not only to promote platforms, applications, devices, mobile Indian writings, but also to create an and e-readers. Two digital theatres international awareness of Indian books presented a series of showcases and case and to build strong relationships with studies into the emerging technology of publishers across the world.” Later Shri the future of books and reading. Sethumadhavan held a series of wide The English PEN Literary Café ranging discussions with delegations from offered visitors to relax and listen to a wide Poland, the Guest of Honour Country at range of writers reflecting on their works the New Delhi World Book Fair 2014; and influences. The writers included NBT Participation with Turkey as well as Germany among Authors of the Day—William Boyd, Elif Indian contingent was represented by over others. He was accompanied by Shri Shafak and Liz Pichon. The programme 35 publishers and printers including some Benny Kurian, Rights Acquisitions & included signing sessions with the authors. well known and leading organizations. Translations officer, NBT India. The LBF Author Lounge, a dedicated About 20 Indian exhibitors including NBT As one of the major international area, was the space for seeking valuable India were housed at the India Pavilion. book fairs, the popularity of the LBF advice on all aspects of self-publishing Inaugurating the Indian Pavilion, HE J. partly owing to UK’s geographically including writing, editing to design, Bhagwati, India’s High Commissioner central location for publishers from marketing, e-books or for that matter to UK, expressed his happiness at seeing Europe, US and also parts of Africa. For anything you would want to know. the Indian participation and the range of those keen on creating new business and The Literary Translation Centre books displayed. Shri A. Sethumadhavan, exploring newer avenues and for those brought together publishing and Chairman, NBT India, apprised him interested in the business of publishing translation professionals as well as of the various activities of NBT and and ideas it is a must attend event. If not students, authors and agents opportunity some of the recent initiatives of NBT as an exhibitor, the least as a visitor. to build relationships and benefit from to promote Indian books at various expert advice. The discussions at the international fora. The India Pavilion Centre included How to Promote Writers was coordinated and organized in Translation, Becoming a Literary by CAPEXIL, a trade support Translator, Translating Bestsellers; organisation that lends support Innovations in Literary Translations; and to Indian publishing and printing the Evolving Role of Literary Translators. industry’s external trade. The Children’s Innovation Theatre ran The NBT India participated with programmes and events that showcased over 300 books from a cross section some of the most exciting developments of publishers from across the country.
2 NBT Newsletter may 2013 Nazira Book Fair he National Book Trust, India Tin association with the civil administration of Nazira and the NGO Probah organised a book fair at Nazira, Assam from 23 to 31 March 2013 at the Nazira Gandhi Maidan. Inaugurating the first Book Fair of the town of Nazira, Imran Shah, President, Asom Sahitya Sabha expressed his happiness and commended NBT’s efforts. Others who were present at the inaugural function included Dr Hemoprobha Saikia, chairperson, Assam Tourism Development Corporation, P.K. Das, SDO, Debobrat Saikia, President All Assam Publishers and Booksellers Association, among others. the country exhibiting and selling books Books Linking Minds’, Shri Sandip Earlier, a colourful Book March on a wide array of topics for all age-groups Phukan, senior journalist, NDTV said, was taken out by students of all schools and in all Indian languages in addition to “Indian culture is a book culture and from Nazira and nearby towns carrying English and Hindi. The major attractions our society carries a great book reading attractive placards which exhorted the at the book fair were the several seminars, tradition since the ancient Vedic period.” youth to inculcate the habit of reading panel discussions, literary programmesand He added that regular reading habit, and the benefits of a literate and well read cultural events held for children and constant scrutiny and active social sense society. general public. Various competitions were is the feedback for success of all media The book fair showcased 125 also held for students and the winners persons and general people as well. stalls with publishers, booksellers and were given away prizes. The Book Fair was coordinated by distributors as participants from all over In a seminar on the topic ‘Talking Shri Deep Saikia, Asamiya editor, NBT.
Advisory Panel Meeting he Advisory Panel Meeting of Hindi language was held Tat Nehru Bhawan, NBT, New Delhi on 4 April 2013. Shri Namwar Singh, eminent Hindi writer attended the Meeting as the distinguished Member. Other Members of the Panel included prof. Kedarnath Singh, Prof. Manager Pandey, Prof. Rambaksh, Shri Prabhakar Shotriya, Prof. Krishna Dutt Paliwal, Ms Chitra Mudgal, Shri Ravindra Kalia, Dr Sher Jung Garg, Shri Abdul Bismillah, and Ms Nasira Sharma. From the NBT, Shri A. Sethumadhavan, Chairman, Shri M.A. Sikandar, Director, Dr Baldev Singh Baddan, Chief Editor & Joint Director, Ms Uma Bansal, Hindi Editor, Shri Pankaj Chaturvedi, Asst Editor Hindi and Dr Lalit Kishore Mandora, Asst Editor, Hindi, participated in the Meeting.
may 2013 NBT Newsletter 3 Book Fair & Reading Festival at Gangtok
five-day long Book displayed some of their latest AFair and Reading publications. The NBT stall Festival was organized by visited by many book lovers, the National Book Trust, exhibited a wide range of India in association with books in Hindi, English and the Sikkim Akademi at other Indian languages. Hotel Rendezvous, Gangtok A special attraction from 15 to 20 March 2013. at the book fair was the The Book Fair sought to Reading Festival organised achieve the social objective by the NBT’s Children of inculcating the habit of Literature wing—the NCCL. reading amongst the citizens, There were story-telling the young and the old alike. sessions for children, book “The joy of reading books discussions, creative writing cannot be described in words. workshops, drawing & I hold the view that books painting competitions, panel constitute one of the finest expressions of Padmashree G.S. Lama, General Secretary, discussions, short skits, and a wide range human spirit,” said Shri Balmiki Prasad Sikkim Akademi, and the special guest at of other literary eventsand competitions. Singh, Governor of Sikkim inaugurating the inaugural function, said, “It is not A poet’s meet was also held where the Book Fair. He said that the book fairs only a book fair but also a celebration of Rajendra Bhandhari, Kapil Adhikari, books.” Popularly known as Sanu Lama in literary circles, he said that the state should be thankful to the NBT having organized a book fair in the state. Commending NBT’s efforts, Shri Lama reiterated that NBT has been trying itsbest to inculcate reading habit among the youth. He appealed to everyone, especially students, to take are significant as they help in reviving full advantage of the fair and benefit Praveen Khaling, Bheem Rawat, Binasri interest in reading at a time when most from it. Kharel, and others rendered their poems people are attracted towards television, the Dr. Baldev Singh Baddan, Chief to a packed audience. internet and other modern day means of Editor and Joint Director, NBT and Shri A Panel discussion on ‘Re-telling of learning and entertainment. “The reason P.N.Tamang, President of Sikkim Akademi Popular Folktales as Pleasure Reading for why I recommend reading as a habit to spoke at the inaugural function. Children’ was held where Sang Mu Lepcha, be instilled is because when one spends About 15 publishers, booksellers and Kavita Lama, Ruchi Singh, Nita Nirash, hours reading, it is more likely to leave a distributors from all over the country Shubhvrat Dev, and S. Brijeshwar Sharma lasting impact. The habit of reading presented their views. The discussion good content exercises the mind and was presided over by Pempa Tamang. keeps one mentally fit and flexible,” he Shri M.R. Mahapatra, Editor, NCCL added. coordinated the programmes. Congratulating NBT for Children from various local schools organizing the book fair the Governor including Devrali Government School, hoped that the book fair would Tasi Namgayal Academy, Daffodils provide an excellent platform for School and others participated with interaction among authors, publishers, enthusiasm and showcased their talent. booksellers, book distributors, The young winners of all competitions librarians, book lovers and students. were given away prizes on the last day Speaking on the occasion, of the Fair.
4 NBT Newsletter may 2013 he World Book and Copyright Day in 1923 by booksellers in Spain as a way to that men, women, and children all have Tis marked annually on 23 April, a honour the author Miguel de Cervantes, access to the written word. symbolic date for World Literature. It was who died on that day. Irina Bokova, the Director General celebrated for the first time on 23 April This year, the city of Bangkok has of the UNESCO (United Nations 1995, at Paris, when UNESCO decided been designated as the ‘World Book Educational, Scientific and Cultural to mark 23 April as World Book and Capital 2013’ in recognition of its Organization) delivered a message to mark Copyright Day and for paying worldwide programme to promote reading among the annual World Book and Copyright tribute to authors and books, as well young people and underprivileged Day. She reiterated that diversity in as to encourage everyone (particularly sections of the population. The editorial and book content provides the young) to discover the pleasure of government of Thailand, in cooperation enrichment. As such, diversity must be reading to gain a renewed respect for the with local government units, is putting supported and nurtured by protecting irreplaceable contributions of those who out much effort in order to inspire the content from uniformity and with the have furthered the social and cultural Thai people to build a peaceful and institution of appropriate public policies. progress of humanity. resilient society by reading. She termed this important characteristic as On this day in 1611, Miguel de Port Harcourt, Nigeria has been “bibliodiversity.” Cervantes, William Shakespeare and Inca named as the World Book Capital 2014. The National Book Trust, India also Garcilaso de la Vega died. It is also the Celebrating World Book and celebrates 23 April annually by organising date of birth or death of other prominent Copyright Day 2013, the United Nations various literary programmes, seminars, authors such as Maurice Druon, Haldor seeks to increase awareness on literacy competitions, discussions and workshops K.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla programs worldwide. And in addition, the all over the country, involving various and Manuel Mejía Vallejo. The connection UN intends to promote careers in book schools, NGO’s, publishers, book shops, between 23 April and books was first made shops, schools, libraries and publishing so media, government bodies and others. India Guest of Honour at Seoul ndia is the Guest of Honour Country Sriratna, born in a royal family in Ayodhya, voyage to the Garak Kingdom in Southern Iat the Seoul International Book Fair to India, was sent by her father, the King of Korea to marry King Suro. And thus was be held from 19-23 June 2013. The Logo Ayodhya, on divine revelation on a long sea founded the Garak Kingdom in Korea. for the Guest of Honour Country A monument in the name of Presentation is inspired from the Princess Sriratna has been erected image of two kissing fishes that at Ayodhya and at Gimhae in is closely associated with a major South Korea. The slogan ‘Reading legend regularly mentioned in the to Connect, Connecting to Read’ context of India-Korea history. In has been mooted to underline this logo, the image of the fishes that reading of history helps has been interpreted as one created establish cultural connections with books with the flags of the two and how such connections can be countries on them. starting point to establish better As per the legend mentioned literary and publishing ties in the in Sam Kum Yusa, a text on ancient contemporary times between the history of Korea, in AD 48. Princess two countries.
may 2013 NBT Newsletter 5 Festival of Reading at Damanjodi s part of NBT’s continuous conference the same evening. Aeffort to promote reading Mangalesh Dabral, eminent habit and books in the tribal areas, poet in Hindi and Executive a Festival of Reading was held Editor, the Public Agenda, Dr. from 29 March to 1 April 2013 Paramananda Rajabanshi, Vice- at Damanjodi (Koraput, Odisha) President, Assam Sahitya Sabha, in collaboration with National Dr. Krutibas Nayak and Sailabala Aluminium Company (NALCO), Mahapatra, eminent children’s M&R Division. A Seminar, a author in Odia interacted with Women Poets’ Meet, a Reading children. Over 20 children recited Session with eminent Hindi Poet their poems on the occasion. Shri Manglesh Dabral, a Literary Several senior functionaries Conference and a 4-day exhibition from NALCO, M&R Division of books were held in this Festival. including Shri Rabi Narayan Dr. Chaganti Tulasi, eminent scholar in Telugu and Odia chaired over the seminar on the topic Amara Adivasi Sanskruti O Ajira Sahitya. Shri Pravakar Swain, Subash Chandra Mishra, Dr. Narayan Panda, Bijay Upathyay, Rabi Satpathy, Deepanwita Das among others took part in the discussion. The Women Poets’ Meet on 31 March was chaired by Dr. Prativa The Festival was inaugurated by Satpatty, eminent poet. Several noted Tripathy, GM, Hemant Kumar Pal Shri B.N. Mohanty, Executive Director, women poets from the state including DGM and R.S. Das, DGM graced these NALCO, M&R Division on 29 March Dr. Ranjita Nayak, Pravasini Mahakud, events as chief guests. Manas Ranjan evening. Lauding NBT’s effort for the Sailabala Mahapatra, Paramita Satpathy, Mahapatra, Editor, NBT, Chandiprasad promotion of reading habit in remote areas, Sujata Choudhury, Deepanwita Das, Rao, Convener, Welfare Committee, Shri Mohanty hoped that such endeavours Dr. Pritidhara Samal, Madhuri Panda NALCO and Ameya Vikramanandan will help in creating a book reading society and Rajalaxami Sahu participated in the Bhuyan, poet and activist coordinated in the under- privileged sector. meet. This was followed by a Literary this festival. Remembering Tagore (7 May 1861 – 7 August 1941) Tagore: A Life book is a collection of letters evolution and growth of Krishna Kriplani and debates exchanged Visva-Bharati from its Written by a close associate between Mahatma Gandhi struggling initial days to its of Tagore himself, this and Rabindranath Tagore present status as one of the biography impressively between 1915 and 1941. finest centres of learning. records the development The introduction by 978-81-237-5731-5; of the personality of the the compiler examines Rs 80.00 (PB) man through the various the historical context of 978-81-237-5732-2; influences, the ordeals he the correspondence and Rs 300 (HB) faced in life and his zest for life. This is one provides an overview of the major issues Rabindranath Tagore: Philosophy of of the best known biography of Tagore. discussed. Education and Painting 978-81-237-1959-7; Rs 80.00 978-81-237-2201-X; Rs 65.00 (PB) Devi Prasad The Mahatma and the Poet: Letters and 978-81-237-2202-3; Rs 125.00 (HB) The book presents Tagore’s approach Debates Between Gandhi and Tagore The Twin Dreams of Rabindranath Tagore: to education and art. Views of Tagore 1915-1941 Santiniketan and Sriniketan on education and painting have been Sabyasachi Bhattacharya (Comp.) Ajit K Neogy supplemented by a comprehensive and Put together for the first time from various Focussing on the years 1901-41, this critical evaluation of his philosophy. published and unpublished sources, this meticulously researched book narrates the 978-81-237-3318-X; Rs 45.00
6 NBT Newsletter may 2013 Recent Books from NBT Worlds Apart: Minerals are essentially a ‘Rural Urban Continuum’ and shows Science Fiction a part of nature, the outcomes of a ‘Benign’ and a ‘Cruel’ Stories having been formed scenario. Finally he describes the needed N. Bhaskara Rao by natural processes. policies for the ‘Benign’ outcomes. A must 978-81-237-6619-5 They are used for read book for the development expert and Rs 110 making various practitioner and anyone with interest in Ten stories that push industrial products, agricultural and rural development in the forward the boundary as well as required fast growing Indian economy. of the possible to in the technologies bridge the separate for protecting and The Gonds: Genesis, worlds of reality and imagination. From a preserving the environment. Since History & Culture flower that exposes a murderer to a flower minerals lying underground have to Anuradha Paul that wins the heart of a lady on Mars, from be mined, the land is destroyed in the 978-81-237-6787-1 the perils of little learning to the dangers process, unlike other industries and Rs 95 of great power; these inspired stories resources. There is a seemingly endless The Gonds are one explore the realms of what might just conflict between the industries and the of the largest tribal happen. Spun using threads of scientific environmentalists, who are trying to apply groups in India. facts, decorated with embroidered truths brakes on the industries—which includes Inhabiting largely the and embellished with gems of fantasy, the mining industries. central hinterlands each story is imaginatively original. The This book seeks to bridge all the gaps of India, this indigenous community separate worlds of romance, murder, between the mining industries and is believed to be of the Dravidian stock. apocalypse, humour, redefined mythology the environmentalist groups and clear Based on the teachings of Pahandi Pari and future realities—all come together the confusion in the minds of all the Kupar Lingo, the preceptor of the Gonds, between the two covers. stakeholders by treating the subject the book provides deep insight into the through a blend of geology, social science genesis, history, culture, philosophy, and Mirrored Images: and environmental science. It is presented belief systems of the Gonds. A must read An Anthology of Sri in a simple style, such that common book for sociologists, anthropologists, Lankan Poetry people and the intelligentsia are able to students of culture studies and also for the Rajiva Wijesinha form a holistic view about the entire issue. general reader. 978-81-237-6734-5 Rs 150 The Future of Indian Agriculture We Are Different This select anthology Yoginder K. Alagh Ramendra Kumar of poetry brings to Rs 100 978-81-237-6685-0 you representative The Future of Indian Agriculture first Rs 25.00 works of some of sets up the Backdrop of India’s resource This is the story Sri Lanka’s most endowments of its land, water, population about how creatures respected poets. Written mostly after and work force. It then models the demands of different species independence, the collection maps the on agriculture of a fast growing economy. can become good trends and developments in the growth of It models demand separately for the rich friends for a peaceful poetry from the island nation. Drawn from and poor in rural and urban areas and coexistence. The book promotes a Sinhala, Tamil and English, this anthology shows the rapidly diversifying food needs cosmopolitan outlook where everybody is holds a mirror to today’s Sri Lanka, casting of India. The Supply potential of India’s equal and all respect each other. kaleidoscopic images of many hues. Poems agricultural resources is worked out and the that reflect a patchwork quilt of identities, impact of technological change required Who is Sharper? human emotions and struggles. Lines that is estimated using Factor Productivity Gunamani Nath chart the eventful journey of a country in analysis. Alagh then models alternative 978-81-237-6730-7 transition. growth paths and their outcomes in terms Rs 35.00 of meeting demand to avoid the food An animal tale that dwells on the Minerals, Mines and Environment in inflation problem and solve the poverty importance of wit and how it can become Human Life removal and food security objectives. He a tool to survive in a world deplete of Kaulir Kisor Chatterjee works out the infrastructure requirements morality. The story has been translated 978-81-237-6733-8 of widespread markets and processing and from Asamiya to English by Deep Saikia. Rs 90 transport needs also in smaller towns in
may 2013 NBT Newsletter 7 Join Us on Facebook RNI-39456/82 www.facebook.com/nationalbooktrustindia Postal Regd. No. DL-SW-1-4076/12-14 Licenced to post without prepayment. L.No. U(SW) 21/2012-2014 Mailing date: 5/6 Same Month Date of Publication: 01/05/2013
Forthcoming Book Fairs Dharamshala Book Fair, Himachal Pradesh May 2013 Mumbai Book Fair, Maharashtra May-June 2013 Srinagar Book Fair, Jammu & Kashmir June 2013 Kanyakumari Book Fair, Tamil Nadu July 2013 Bilaspur Book Fair, Chhatisgarh September 2013 Chennai Book Fair, Tamil Nadu September 2013 Bhopal/Indore/Book Fair M.adhya Pradesh October 2013 Allahabad Book Fair, Uttar Pradesh October 2013 Become a Member of NBT Book Club Children Book Fair, Cochin/Trivandrum Oct.-No. 2013 AVAIL a DISCOUNT of 20% Ranchi/Patna Book Fair, Bihar November 2013 Chandigarh Book Fair, Union Territory December 2013 Hyderbad Book Fair, Andhra Pradesh December 2013 Mangalore Book Fair, Karnataka January 2014 For more details please contact: Dy. Director (Exhibitions) National Book Trust, India Nehru Bhawan, 5 Institutional Area, Phase-II Vasant Kunj, New Delhi - 110070 Tel.: 011-26707700 / 26707825 Fax: 011-26707825
NBT Newsletter is the house magazine of the National On India Government Service Book Trust, India — an autonomous organisation of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Higher Education, Government of India. The views expressed in the signed articles do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Trust. Editor: Binny Kurian Editorial Associate: Kanchan Wanchoo Sharma Production: Narender Kumar
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8 NBT Newsletter may 2013