Annual Subscription Rs 5.00; 50 paise per copy November 2016 • Vol 34 No. 11

Contents Book Release in Patna

Book Release in Patna 1-2 Advisory Panel Meeting in Patna 2 Patiala Book Fair 2 Book Release at Hyderabad 3 School Children Visit NBT 3 Kalaburagi Book Fair 4 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan 5 To reinforce the concept of unity the centre of knowledge since ancient Books for Children 6 “in diversity, we must make efforts times and it is one of the states with for the preservation, development and the highest number of readers in the Books on Education expansion of the regional languages,” country. NBT is committed towards 7 said Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Hon’ble development of Indian languages and Governor of Bihar at a book release would also work towards publishing Pick of the Month function held at Karpoori Thakur books in other languages of Bihar. seminar hall, Patna Museum, Patna on Padamshree Smt. Usha Kiran 5 September 2016. He added that this Khan, Shri Ripusudan Prasad effort would strengthen Hindi as the Srivastava, former Vice Chancellor, national language. Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University Shri Ram Nath Kovind observed and Shri Udai Shankar Sharma, former that the dialects of Hindi not only enrich its vocabulary but also expand the scope for expression. He also appreciated NBT’s translation programme and urged NBT to bring out more and more books in different genres in Maithili, Bhojpuri, Magahi and other languages of Bihar. Shri Baldeo Bhai Sharma, Chairman, NBT also spoke on the The Weaver-Bird’s Nest occasion. He said that Bihar had been Dipanwita Roy Illustrations: Anup Ray 978-81-237-7862-4; Rs 60 NOVEMBER 2016 NBT NEWSLETTER 1 Director, Magahi Academy also spoke including ‘Sardar Ballabh Bhai Patel’, Ambedkar’, ‘Samata Ke Samarthak on the occasion. ‘Gali Mohallon Ke Kuchh Khel’, Ambedkar’ among others. On this occasion, 15 NBT books ‘Baiju Mama’, , ‘Rusty Ke Kaarnaame’, The programme was coordinated translated into Bhojpuri, Magahi ‘Sabkaa Saathi Sabkaa Dost’, ‘Birsa by Shri Kumar Vikram, English Editor and Maithili languages were released Ki Kahani’, ‘Samta Ke Samarthak and Shri Kamal Ahmad, Hindi Editor. Advisory Panel Meeting in Patna ational Book Trust, Chairman, NBT chaired the NIndia organized session. The panel members the advisory panel included Usha Kiran Khan, meeting with scholars Vinay Kumar, Chandra Bhushan and litterateurs at Hotel Rai, Brajkishore, Mahamaya Patliputra Ashok, Patna, Prasad Vinod, Kishore Keshav, on 5 September 2016. Pawan, Sanjeev Kumar, Imtiaz During the meeting, Ahmad, Sanjay Sinha, Suneel the members gave Pathak, Udai Shankar Sharma, suggestions regarding Ghamandi Ram, Dilip Kumar, the book promotional Udai Kumar Bharti, Teervijay activities to be undertaken Singh, Harish Chandra Rathore at Book Promotion and Shyam Sharma. Centre, Patna. They talked about the areas, publishing books on tribal art and The programme was need to promote books through various culture of Bihar in regional languages coordinated by Shri Kumar Vikram, activities like book fairs, workshops on among others. English Editor and Shri Kamal Ahmad, translation, mobile exhibitions in rural Shri Baldeo Bhai Sharma, Hindi Editor.

Patiala Book Fair

ational Book Trust, India guests on the occasion. Dr Norganized the Patiala Book Fair Rita Chowdhury, Director, at Sunny Oberoi Arts Auditorium, NBT was also present on the Punjabi University, Patiala from 3 to 9 occasion. October 2016. The Fair was organized During the Fair, in association with Punjabi University, several literary and cultural Patiala and Sahitya Akademi. programmes were organized Dr Jaspal Singh, Vice Chancellor, including Poets’ Meet; Meet- Punjabi University inaugurated the Fair. the Artist, discussions on the Dr Dalip Kaur Tiwana, Dr Rajender topics Why Fiction Matters?, Nascent and Children’s Literature among others. Prashad Mishar, Dr Chander Prakash Writers, Culture in Our Times, More than 100 publishers participated Deval and Dr Surjit Patar were special Language Issues, Punjabiat in Colour, in the Fair.

2 NBT NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2016 Book Release at Hyderabad s part of its book fiercely against the invasions Apromotion activities, by adjoining kingdoms. National Book Trust, India He also said that NBT organised a book release has been publishing function of Rani Rudrama several books introducing Devi at NBT Book Promotion India’s literature, history Centre, Hyderabad on 30th and culture to the young August, 2016. The book has generation. He also urged been brought out by NBT parents and teachers to under its newly launched encourage children to Women Pioneers series. read good books and gain Shri Devulapally knowledge about our rich Prabhakar Rao, Chairman, culture and literature. Official Language Committee, Earlier, Dr Rita Govt. of Telangana released the Shri Baldeo Bhai Sharma, Chowdhury, Director, NBT book. He said that Rani Rudrama was Chairman, NBT presided over the welcomed the guests. Talking about one of the most efficient and intelligent function. He said that Rani Rudrama the role of women in the development rulers. She was not only a great warrior Devi was a brave ruler who fought of the family and country, Dr Rita but also an able administrator. Chowdhury said that Rani Rudrama Prof. Vakulabharanam undertook dual responsibilities. On Ramakrishna, former member, NBT one hand she ruled the country with Telugu advisory panel and Editor, extreme courage while on other she Andhra & Telangana Comprehensive performed her duties towards her History; Shri Tripuraneni Hanuman family also. Chowdhary, Chairman, Pragna Bharati; Dr. Pathipaka Mohan, Telugu and Dr. Alekhya Punjala, author of the Editor, NBT coordinated the book were the speakers on the occasion. programme. School Children Visit NBT ational Centre for by reading a book, one needs NChildren’s Literature to understand the book and (NCCL) a wing of NBT assimilate knowledge from India, organized a visit of it. He urged children to read school children at NCCL at least one book every year Library, Vasant Kunj, New besides their textbooks and Delhi on 18 October 2016. gift books to their loved More than 50 children from ones. He also informed them The Indian School along about the new series initiated with their teachers visited the by NBT including Veergatha library. series on Paramveer Chakra On this occasion, awardees and Women Shri Baldeo Bhai Sharma, Pioneers on great women Chairman, NBT also interacted personalities like Ahilyabai with children. He said that Holkar, among others. books are man’s best friends. The children also recited They are written by authors poems and later, visited NBT’s who have seen life closely and book shop. share their experience with The programme was readers. coordinated by Smt Mithilesh Talking of the importance Anant, Library-cum- of books, he said that one documentation officer, NCCL. cannot attain knowledge merely

NOVEMBER 2016 NBT NEWSLETTER 3 Kalaburagi Book Fair ational Book Trust, Several cultural and NIndia organised the literary programmes were Kalaburagi Book Fair at organized during the fair Nutan Vidyalaya Grounds, including three meet- Kalaburagi from 17 to the author sessions with 25 September 2016, in eminent Kannada authors collaboration with the Zilla viz. Dr Nataraj Huliyar, Sahithya Parishat, Kalaburagi. Dr Rahamath Tarikere and While inaugurating the Dr Mogalli Ganesh held Fair, Smt. Nadoja Geetha on 18th, 19th and 20th Nagabhushana, President, September 2016 respectively. Zilla Sahithya Parishat, said The authors talked about that the feeling that the philosophy of Mahatma reading habit is declining amongst the Director, NBT, welcomed the guests Gandhi and Dr Ambedkar; and various youth as they are inclining towards present on the occasion. She said that significant social issues like democracy, electronic media to gain knowledge is the place reminds her of her school poverty and health conditions in the only half truth. She added, “As a writer days when she read about the history of country. A poets’ meet ‘Bahu Bhasha I strongly believe that there is no other Bahmani Kingdom –one of the greatest Kavya Goshthi’ was also organized better alternative for reading other medieval kingdoms of India. Shri S in which well-known poets of Hindi, than books.” She also said that people R Veenesh, Regional Manager, SRO, Urdu, Marathi, Telugu and Kannada of Kalaburagi should make use of the Bengaluru proposed the vote of thanks. languages participated. The meet opportunity, especially the women folk was chaired by Prof Vasant Kushtigi, who are confined to their homes to visit renowned poet and columnist. the book fair, buy books and nurture More than 60 publishers, the habit of reading. distributors and booksellers displayed Shri Veerabhadra Simpi, President, books of different genres during the Kannada Sahitya Parishat and Dr. Fair. Sarvottam Rao, President, Nutan The Fair was coordinated by Shri Vidyalaya Society also spoke on the Nagarajappa, Kannada Editor and occasion. Shri S R Veenesh, Regional Manager, Earlier, Dr Rita Chowdhury, Southern Regional Office, NBT. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan s part of Government of India’s initiative on cleanliness Director, NBT addressed the employees of the Trust. They Adrive across the nation, National Book Trust, India urged employees to participate enthusiastically in this observed Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) drive for the well-being of the society. The premises of the from 1 to 15 October 2016. On this occasion, Shri Baldeo Trust, storeroom, work stations, etc. were cleaned by the Bhai Sharma, Chairman, NBT and Dr Rita Chowdhury, employees.

4 NBT NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2016 Excerpts

NBT India is publishing a book furnaces and tank furnaces. Most actually have been only a thin, shiny titled A Touch of Glass written by furnaces were pot furnaces. These had glaze on the surface of the pot. The Sukanya Datta. Herein we reproduce shelves on which containers, known as next major milestone in glassmaking an excerpt from the chapter ‘Making pots or crucibles were kept. These pots was the creation of solid glass beads. By Glass’. —Editor contained the melted glass. Some pot 1500 BC, craftsmen in Mesopotamia furnaces had a central fire and ash pit; and Egypt were making small brightly Glass has the distinction of being these were commonly circular in plan. coloured vessels. They would do so one of the earliest artificial materials Other pot furnaces were rectangular by first forming a core of sand or clay made by human beings. It is likely in shape or else had an elongated fire into the desired shape. Then, layers of that ancient humans experimented trench and parallel platforms, known as glass would be built around this core, with various materials in an attempt ‘sieges’, on each side for the pots. Tank probably by dipping it repeatedly into to replicate natural glass and that over furnaces had a built-in tank to contain molten glass. This was done until time, they perfected various formulae. the molten glass. a reasonably thick wall of glass was Initially, they would have begun with Contemporary furnaces bear formed around the core. Then the sand (Silica) and soda. Even today, no resemblance to their humble object was cooled and the inner core Silica sand, lime and soda are the raw ancestors. A modern industrial glass removed to yield a hollow container. In materials that are used to make glass. melting furnace is made up of many time this came to be known as the core- Impurities such as Iron, Manganese subsections. This includes foundations, mould process. and Sulphur in beach sand would have superstructure, refractory brick work Around 300 BC, a genius given them coloured glass. Yellow, and retaining walls. It also includes glassmaker figured out that a hot blob brown and green would have been raw material charger systems, heat of molten glass gathered at the end common colours. exchangers, melter cooling system, of a hollow tube could be blown into Interestingly, the origin of the exhaust system, fuel supply and electrical different shapes. Ancient Syrians are word ‘glass’ derives from the Old boosting equipment. There are integral most widely credited with the discovery English word glæs and the Proto-Indo- control systems and instrumentation; that molten glass could be blown from European word gel meaning ‘to shine.’ and also systems for conditioning and the end of a hollow tube into different This is also the root work for the Irish distri-buting molten glass. In some shapes. This revolutionized the ancient and Welsh word glas meaning green glassworks, the machinery used can Glass Industry. and blue respectively. even include forming apparatuses. It In ancient times, a wood-guzzling The oldest known formula for is a sophisticated, computer-controlled furnace was used to keep the glass making glass comes from the library set-up. ... in a molten state. It takes a lot of of the Assyrian King Assurbanipal It is generally accepted that the wood to heat a furnace to over 1000º (reigned 668 BC-627 BC). In this process of melting glass was discovered Celsius. Specific details about just library there are clay tablets covered around 5000 BC in Mesopotamia or in how much wood would be needed to in cuneiform script that spell out the Egypt, most probably by potters firing maintain high enough temperature is oldest existing recipe to make glass. In their pots. The ‘glass’ so formed would not available. However, according to English, the instructions read: ‘Take an estimate, the wood needed to fire 60 parts sand, 180 parts ash from sea a furnace for one run could well be plants, 5 parts chalk and you get glass.’ enough to build a two-storey house. Ancient chemists have left behind No wonder, glassmaking was seriously detailed descriptions of the basic bad news for trees! Perhaps this was a composition of glass, the know-how to reason why glassmakers were itinerant; colour it, and even instructions on how moving from place to place in search a glass furnace must be constructed. of wood and raw materials. This of Glass Furnaces: Furnace designs course meant that their ideas, style and have changed over time. Wood was expertise travelled with them and that used to heat glass furnaces until the there was a lot of cross-fertilization 17th century and after that, coal came of ideas, styles and learning along the into use. From the 1860s onwards way. Any specific style of making glass gas-fired furnaces were used. Modern soon spread because the workers were furnaces are sophisticated structures. constantly changing their techniques, In the ancient days, there were or learning new techniques from each only two basic types of furnaces: pot other.

NOVEMBER 2016 NBT NEWSLETTER 5 Books for Children

November 14 is celebrated as Children’s Day all over the country. The Trust publishes a wide variety of books for children under Nehru Bal Pustakalaya series. Given below are some of the recent titles published by NBT India. - Editor

A Trip to the Mountains Little Elephant Throws a Party So Many Smiles Swapna Dutta Meenakshi & Tanmay Bharat Manoj Das A story about the Disturbed by Latbar with his robust, mountains and the frequent thick and majestically how it feels to be brawls that take curled moustachio is holidaying there. It place between a favourite with boys, also brings to light various animals who listen with rapt the special features of the mountains of the jungle, the attention to his yarns about demons children should learn to appreciate. elephant decides to throw a party to and giants, until Bapi shows them Illustrated by Ratnakar Singh. reunite everyone. Lively illustrations by the truth of it all. An interesting read 978-81-237-7217-2; Rs 35 Debabrata Ghosh enliven the text. for children illustrated by Durgadatt 978-81-237-7045-1; Rs 40 Pandey. Goa: Story of My Wonderland 978-81-237-7008-6; Rs 75 Shashi Shetye Little Wonders An illustrated book Laxmi Khanna ‘Suman’ Tales to Make You Smile on Goa: one of the A novella for children Ruskin Bond most important tourist in their teens about A collection of seven attractions in India how a family of dwarfs humourous tales with its beach and is separated from each about circumstances architectual marvels. other by the stroke in life which when 978-81-237-7893-8; Rs 65 of fate and how they viewed in retrospect happen to unite with the help of invariably make us Kavya Makes Up Her Mind children. In the process they learn a lot smile. Illustrated by Ramesh Bijlani and gain from each other’s company. Amitava Sengupta. Little Kavya is fascinated Illustrated by Fazaruddin. 978-81-237-7188-5; Rs 90 by the vocations the 978-81-237-6885-4; Rs 45 grown-ups around her The Story of a Mouse are pursuing and keeps Nature’s Gift Utpal Talukdar changing her mind Utpal Talukdar An interesting tale about what she would A tale about two about a mouse who like to do when she friends; a bird and an over indulges in grows up. She discusses her feelings with elephant. The elephant eating and bears the her Nana who triggers her imagination wishes to fly and the adverse consequences! and makes her understand the true bird tries to help him. Illustrated by the meaning of a profession. Illustrated by But both fail miserably author himself. Mohit Suneja. only to realise that everyone is made 978-81-237-6906-6; Rs 45 978-81-237-7218-9; Rs 55 differently by Nature. Illustrated by the author himself. When They Were Children Little Chopin 978-81-237-6933-2; Rs 45 Thangamani Michal Rusinek A book that reveals A book introducing Rahul and the Dream Bat certain fascinating to children the life of Ken Spillman facts about the the great Polish music Rahul is a fan of the game of cricket. childhood of eleven composer Frederic He keeps dreaming about cricket all great Indian achievers, Chopin (1810-1849) the time. In one such session, while he who have excelled published by NBT in arrangement encounters failure he also learns how to in their respective with ZnakPublishers, Poland and The cope with dismal realities of life. The fields. Illustrated Frederic Chopin Institute, Poland. book intends to make children combat by Manobhiram Illustrated by Joahna Rusinek. disappointment with a smile. Chakravarti. 978-81-237-7007-9; Rs 180 978-81-237-7183-0; Rs 50 978-81-237-7001-7; Rs 70 6 NBT NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2016 Books on Education

November 11 is National Education Day. The Trust has published a range of books on education and creative learning under various series. Given below are some of the titles on education, useful for teachers and students. - Editor

Education in India of subjects, this book with about 300 importantly its role in an angst-ridden Padma Ramachandran & questions arranged randomly, makes an society. Vasantha Ramkumar interesting read for all. 978-81-237-2314-3; Rs 85 A thorough study of the 978-81-237-6106-0; Rs 140 Creative Drama and Puppetry in theory and practice of CABE: Reports of the Central Advisory Education education in the context Board of Education (2 vols.) Meher R Contractor of present day Indian The book presents reports The book provides a realities, this exhaustive of CABE Committees general guide to help volume provides an authoritative in various areas of those who want to insight. education pertaining conduct training courses 81-237-4443-9; Rs 130 to Girls’ education and in puppetry and creative Joy of Making Indian Toys the common school drama or to use these Sudarshan Khanna system, universalisation techniques in education, This simple activity of secondary education, social work, recreation, occupational book teaches two things, integration of culture education in school therapy and audio-visual education for namely, how to make 101 curriculum, regulatory mechanisms for communicating ideas to both children handmade toys which are textbooks and parallel textbooks taught and adults. playthings even today in in schools outside the Government 81-237-3422-0; Rs 60 remote corners of our system, autonomy of higher education Divasvapna country and how toys, institutions, and financing of higher and Gijubhai Badheka simple in design and technical education. This pedagogical classic based on science and technology, can be 978-81-237-5564-9; Rs 300 is the story of a teacher made at home with discarded materials. ART: The Basis of Education who rejects the orthodox 978-81-237-2244-3; Rs 90 Devi Prasad culture of education but Random Curiosity A pioneering study remains enthusiastic Yash Pal with Rahul Pal on the importance of towards children and Curiosity is the art as a foundation for continues to experiment fundamental basis for the education of the while consciously the process of learning. It individual. The book also neglecting the traditions of teaching helps children to explore takes a detailed look at through prescribed textbooks. The book questions and often the various stages of its propounds a new theory on child’s wonder about the world expression in a child, its education by emphasising the need for they live in. The book puts together importance in shaping the individual’s an atmosphere of independence and self- many such questions randomly posed thinking and cognitive faculty, the reliance. to Prof. Yash Pal. Covering a wide array role of teachers and parents and most 978-81-237-1237-6; Rs 45.00 The nation celebrated the 141st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on 31 October. Popularly known as the Iron Man of India, Patel played a significant role during India’s freedom struggle as well as post independence years. Two books brought out by NBT, bring out the personality of Sardar Patel. Gandhi-Patel: Letters and Speeches; Neerja Singh (Comp.) This collection brings out some of the significant correspondences between Gandhi and Patel, their mutual respect for each other and also the differences between the two on various matters of policies and strategies. 978-81-237-5556-4; Rs 80 Nehru-Patel: Agreement Within Differences; Neerja Singh (Ed) This collection brings together the correspondence between Nehru and Patel. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of India’s freedom struggle, these conversations engaged with some of the most challenging debates of the day. What is striking about these exchanges is the candour and high intellectual acumen with which they addressed many of these issues. Disagreements were aplenty, but they also display a willingness to set these aside for the common pursuit of national goals. A collection that inspires as much as it informs. 978-81-237-5874-9; Rs 95

NOVEMBER 2016 NBT NEWSLETTER 7 Participate at the RNI-39456/82 NEW DELHI WORLD BOOK FAIR 2017 Postal Regd. No. DL-SW-1-4076/2015-17 Pragati Maidan, New Delhi 7–15 January 2017 Licenced to post without prepayment. L.No. U(SW)21/2015-17 Mailing date: 5/6 Same Month Date of Publication: 01/11/2016 Forthcoming Book Fairs New Delhi World Book Fair Delhi 7-15 Jan. 2017 Aizawl Book Fair Mizoram Feb./Mar. 2017 Udaipur Book Fair Tripura Feb./Mar. 2017 Ranchi Book Fair Jharkhand Feb./Mar. 2017 For more details, visit: www.newdelhiworldbookfair.gov.in For more details please contact: Dy. Director (Exhibitions) Book your Table at the National Book Trust, India NEW DELHI RIGHTS TABLE Nehru Bhawan, 5 Institutional Area, Phase-II 9-10 January 2017 Vasant Kunj, New Delhi - 110070 Tel.: 011-26707700 / 26707778 Website: www.nbtindia.gov.in

For details, email at: [email protected] www.facebook.com/nationalbooktrustindia

NBT Newsletter is the house magazine of On India Government Service the National 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: Surekha Sachdeva Production Officer: Narender Kumar

National Book Trust, India Nehru Bhawan, 5 Institutional Area, Vasant Kunj, Phase-II New Delhi-110 070 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nbtindia.gov.in Readers are requested to write to the editor expressing their views about the NEWSLETTER.

Printed and published by Satish Kumar on behalf of National Book Trust, India and printed at Rakmo Press Pvt. Ltd., C-59 Phase-I, Okhla Industrial Area, New Delhi-110020, and published at National Book Trust, India, Nehru Bhawan, 5 Institutional Area, Phase-II, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-110070. Editor: Binny Kurian.

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8 NBT NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2016