Annual Subscription Rs 5.00; 50 paise per copy February 2015 • Vol 33 No. 2

Contents New Delhi World Book Fair 2015

Suryodaya: Emerging Voices from Key Features Northeast India 3 Guest of Honour Country Cuttack BPC Inaugurated 3 Indore Book Fair 4 Kannada Books Released 4 Singapore is the Guest of Honour Country Book on Food Security at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2015. Launched As part of its presentation, Singapore 5 will participate with a large delegation of Cuttack Book Fair publishers, writers and scholars. Besides, an 6 exhibition of some its recent publications, NBT Publications of the Month the special Singapore Pavilion will host 7 a number of panel discussions, writers’ Books Received meets, business round tables and cultural 7 elhi in February. With a weather that programmes. Adieu Dis simply pleasant, the city wakes up 8 to the first murmers of an approaching Focus Country spring. It is also the time when it hosts one of the most happening book events in ick of the onth P M the world. The New Delhi World Book Fair. 14-22 February 2015, is a fortnight when publishers, authors, readers and all A first for New Delhi World Book Fair, those associated with the book industry the Focus Country programme is an converge at the exhibition grounds of initiative to facilitate dialogues, establish Pragati Maidan, to experience some of the relationships and boost trade between most exciting writings that have appeared Indian publishers and their foreign across the world, as well to hear the voices counterparts. This year South Korea is the behind these writings, and participate in Country of Focus. A select list of about conversations, discussions and workshops. 200 books published in Korea would be The Indian Publishing industry has the focus of attraction. Korea is known been registering a steady growth for the across the world for its high quality art last many decades. The New Delhi World and illustrated books for children. There Book Fair provides a unique business will be a special display of internationally opportunity of doing business with this awarded illustrated books and art works. growing book industry. It is also an ideal The books displayed will mostly be Care of Small Pets venue for promoting titles, co-publising children’s books and Manhwa (Comics), Geeta arrangements and facilitates exchange of contemporary literature and books on 978-81-237-7335-3; Rs 180 copyright. history, art and culture of Korea. The Korean presentation will also New Delhi Rights Table Children’s Pavilion include a delegation of ten representative contemporary writers who will be interacting with the visitors, poetry reading sessions, discussion of contemporary Korean literature, demonstration of Hangul- the Korean Calligraphy and cultural programmes.

Theme Programme A business conclave for trading content, the New Delhi Rights Table (NDRT) is now an important event for both Indian One of the most visited places at the Fair and foreign publishers. In its third is the Children’s Pavilion. Thousands edition, the NDRT offers B2B match of school children from schools visit making sessions between publishers in a the Children’s Pavilion, to participate refreshingly new business ambience. The in various activities like drawing unique format enables the participants to competitions, story telling sessions, skits, book their own Rights Table, meet each meet your favourite authors, discussions, other and present their products and ideas. etc. Besides, the Pavilion also showcases As the trading floor for content, the some of the best of recent publications for NDRT acts as facilitating platform to children from across the country. trade with some of the best contents from Separated by the chicken neck corridor India as well as from across the world. from the main land, the north eastern This year over 70 participants from India part of India is one of the most beautiful and abroad have registered for the Rights regions of the country. A land of diversity Table event. reflected in its peoples, languages, cultures and cuisines. Authors’ Corners This year the New Delhi World Book Fair will focus on writings that have emerged from the north eastern The NDWBF is organised by NBT part of India. Housed in a specially India. The ITPO is the co-organiser of the designed pavilion, the theme presentation, Fair. Doordarshan, Delhi Metro, Sahitya Suryodaya : Emerging voices from Northeast Akademi and BIG 92.7FM are the Event India, will bring to you a rich corpus of A book fair is not just a celebration of Partners. writings from the region. Besides, the books but rather at its heart it celebrates pavilion will also host a series of panel authors. The NDWBF hosts hundreds of discussions on various aspects of writings, authors, both established and emerging, films and history of the region as well as writing not only in English and Hindi performances. but also in Indian languages. This year Spread over an area of 36,000 sq.m. CEO Speak too some of the wellknown writers both with about 1500 participants, loads of popular and critically acclaimed will conversations and scores of discussions, engage in lively banters with the visitors. seminars, book releases, workshops, The coming together of both the author activities and cultural performances, the and audience makes conversations at the NDWBF promises to be a grand affair and Fair livelier. Now that you have heard your a treat for students, writers, booklovers and author, you can buy their books! those associated with the book industry. Among the key networking events is the Happy Reading! CEO Speak. Over 100 CEOs of various publishing houses and organisations in the book trade, come together to share and exchange ideas about Indian and International book trade. The event is organised over the Breakfast hosted by Chairman, NBT. 2 NBT NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2015 Suryodaya: Emerging Voices from Northeast India hink Northeast. And the first image strong sense of tradition, a rich legacy of Tthat flits to the mind’s eye is the folklore and a perceptive understanding of land that greets the first rays of the sun. today. A picture postcard collage of rivers, snow- Today, we take a leaf out of its literary capped peaks, verdant valleys and a mosaic diversity and invite you to the world of of multicultural India. A land that as much letters from this region. In presenting defines diversity as it is in turn defined Suryodaya: Emerging Voices from Northeast by it. A diversity that speaks through its India as a theme programme at the New peoples, languages, cultures and cuisines. Delhi World Book Fair 2015, the NBT And through its vibrant traditions of India will focus on a rich corpus of writings music, arts and performances, both oral from the region, the land and its peoples. and written. Also, the emergence of a host Come, wake to an intellectual spread of of writers and scholars and their writings is of our country but it also creates a vivid literary works, performances, workshops not only a part of the literary imagination and exciting literary landscape reflecting a and discussions. Cuttack BPC Inaugurated Utkal Sahitya Samaj, Cuttack. Dr. Bijayanand Singh, President, Utkal Sahitya Samaj and the Guest of Honor at the function expressed his deep sense of gratitude to NBT for the tremendous interest and The opening of the Cuttack Book enthusiasm it has address, Dr. M.A. Sikandar, Director, “Promotion Centre in Odisha is a red- shown in setting-up the BPC at Cuttack. NBT India focussed on the need of letter day for the readers of Cuttack because He told that it opened up a new chapter reading books and appealed for support many useful and essential books will now in the literary history of Odisha and and cooperation of the writers, translators be readily accessible at affordable prices,” expressed hope that it would be a centre of and publishers for the promotion and said Dr. Sitakant Mahapatra, Jnanpith attraction for the booklovers and add glory popularisation of NBT publications. More awardee poet and the former Chairman to the literary heritage of Utkal Sahitya importantly he added that it would not of NBT India. With the opening of this Samaj. only promote the NBT books but also act Centre, Dr Mahapatra felt that “NBT will Presiding over the function Prof as a literary hub to foster reading culture be playing an important role in carrying Dasarathi Das, noted critic of Odia throughout the state. Dr Sikandar was also its books to remote areas of the state”. literature, in his address praised the efforts felicitated by the Utkal Sahitya Samaj. He was inaugurating the Cuttack BPC of NBT in opening such an institution in Dr. Pramod Sar, Odia editor, NBT on 26 December 2014, at the premises of the state. “The culture and civilization of coordinated the function. a country can be known by the books it has produced. Books sharpen our vision, ennoble our mission, hone our imagination. He concluded his speech by saying that the opening of BPC at Cuttack is like the landing of the sacred Ganga on Odisha’s soil to purify our consciousness by a holy dip,” said Prof. Das. Earlier, in his welcome

FEBRUARY 2015 NBT NEWSLETTER 3 Indore Book Fair book revolution is the need of Prof. Surendra Bihari Goswami, Athe hour for reaching books Shri Kailash Pant, Ms Surbala, to every home,” said Ms Sumitra Dr Meenakshi Swami, Shri Vinay Mahajan, Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Jhelawat, Shri Gulab Sharma, Sabha. She was speaking at the Dr Satyanarayan Sattan, Prof. inauguration of Indore Book Fair. Suryaprakash Chaturvedi and Shri “We must make sure that we speak Sushil Joshi. in a language that is civil. Books A unique feature of the Fair teach us good language and also was that, each day was dedicated correct us,” she added. While Prof. to an eminent personality of the Prabhat Bhattacharya graced the region. They include Rajendra occasion as the Chief Guest, the Mathur, Devi Ahalya Bhai, Capt. Special Guest on the occasion was were organised during the fair including Mushtaq Ali, Justice Gowardhanlal Dr. Gyan Chaturvedi. a session on Potential of Journalism as a Ojha and Dr. Shyam Sunadar Vyas. The Indore Book Fair was organised Career. Among the personalities who took Over hundred publishers and by NBT India in collaboration with Sri part in various events include Shri Radhey booksellers from across the country Madhya Bharat Hindi Sahitya Samithi Shyam sharma, Shri Prabhakar Shrotriye, participated in the nine-day Fair. from 6-14 December 2014. Shri Dinesh Atta, Ms Kusum Lata Singh, The Fair was coordinated by Shri Many seminars and discussions Dr Nisha Dubey, Ms Urmila Shirish, Pankaj Chaturvedi, Hindi editor at NBT.

Kannada Books Released

book release function was Belavadi, wellknown Kannada Aorganised on 20 November writer, said that the book gives 2014 in Chikkamagaluru an insight into the history of (Karnataka) in collaboration our freedom movement. In her with Adichunchanagiri Institute observations on the book The of Technology, as part of the Child’s Language and the Teacher, National Book Week celebrations. Ms. D. Nalina said that the book Kannada translations of two is an important pedagogical tool NBT titles Gandhi-Nehru for teachers, for its analysis of the Correspondence: A Selection and development of language skills The Child’s Language and the among the children. Teacher were released on the The function was presided occasion followed by a discussion over by Dr. J.P. Krishne Gowda. on the books. Others who spoke on the Releasing the books, Dr K. Correspondence, Dr Gowda said that occasion included Dr. C.K. Subbaraya Chidananda Gowda, former Vice- there was a cordial relationship between and Shri Sampath. An exhibition of NBT Chancellor, Kuvempu University, said, Gandhi and Nehru despite differences of books was also organised on the occasion. “We not only read a book, but we can also opinions. The function was coordinated by Shri create our own world by reading a book.” Discussing the book Gandhi- H. Nagarajappa, Kannada editor, NBT In his observations on the Gandhi-Nehru Nehru Correspondence, Shri Manjunath India.

4 NBT NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2015 Book on Food Security Launched ood Security of India: An FOverview authored by Dr. S C Modgal, eminent agricultural scientist, and a former Vice-Chancellor of G.B.Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, and published by National Book Trust, India under its Popular Social Science series was formally launched by Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary (DARE) and Director General, ICAR. The function was held on 23 December 2014 at the Dr. B P Pal Auditorium, IARI PUSA Campus, New Delhi. Terming the India’, but should also make a determined of Agronomy, G.B.Pant University book ‘an excellent read’, and ‘timely’, Dr. pitch for a ‘bake in India’ programme of Agriculture and Technology, Ayyappan congratulated the author and for the larger benefits of farmers and Pantnagar, Prof. U S Singh, Senior the Trust for bringing out a book on such agriculturists. Scientist, International Rice Research a vital subject for the general readers and In his presidential address, Shri Anand Institute, India Office and Dr. Ravindra policy makers. Sarup, former Secretary (Education), Kaur, Director, Indian Agricultural In his observations on the book, Govt of India, former Vice-Chancellor, Research Institute. Padma Bhushan Dr. R B Singh, a G.B.Pant University of Agriculture and Earlier, Dr. M A Sikandar, welcomed pioneering agricultural scientist, brought Technology, Pantnagar, and former the guests and termed the programme as home the cultural and political aspects of Chairman, National Book Trust, India, not merely a book release function, but food security for a billion plus population while appreciating the book, raised some ‘an outreach programme’ of the NBT to fundamental questions about agriculture science education in the country and appealed to the scholars of the field to do some introspection about the actual benefits that accrue to farmers and citizens out of their research. Others who spoke on the occasion included Dr. Ramesh Chand, Director, National Centre for Agricultural Economics and Policy of India. He appreciated the ‘pro-poor’ Research (NCAP), Prof. Y Singh, approach of the book in dealing with Former Professor and Head, Department associate the scholars of agriculture science the subject, and underlined the fact that with the publishing activities of the Trust physical and economic access “of all for wider dissemination of knowledge and people at all times to safe and nutritious dvelopment of the subject area among the food of their ‘preference’ is the actual goal general reader, as well as among young of a society trying to achieve food security readers and children. for its people. Dr. Rameshwar Singh, Project Earlier, the author Dr. S C Modgal, Director, Directorate of Knowledge briefly touched upon the approach of his Management, ICAR, proposed a vote-of- book, and proposed that the government thanks. Shri Kumar Vikram, Editor, NBT should not only concentrate on ‘Make in India, conducted the programme.

FEBRUARY 2015 NBT NEWSLETTER 5 Cuttack Book Fair Books are the most valuable programmes were organized “treasures of the world. They both by NBT and other literary embellish the readers with a organizations every evening. cosmopolitan vision and link A symposium on ‘Promotion man’s soul with the macrocosm. of Reading Habit: The Role of The triangle formed by the writer, Literary Organizations’ was held publisher and reader is a bridge on 19 December. Shri Aruna of enduring relationship and Kumar Panda, Er Pravakar Swain, the reader’s role is particularly Dr. Hussain Rabi Gandhi and Shri vital in keeping together this Debasnana Das were the panelists. fraternity, said Jnanpith awardee The symposium was presided Dr. Pratibha Ray. Dr. Ray was over by Shri Annada Prasad Ray, inaugurating the Cuttack Book former President, Utkal Sahitya Fair organized by National Book Samaj. Trust, India in collaboration with Odisha A symposium on ‘Promotion of Publishers’ and Booksellers’ Association Reading Habit: The Role of Odia Journals’ and District Administration, Cuttack on was held on 21 December. Dr. Babaji 18th December 2014 at Baliyatra Ground, Pattnayak, Shri Saroj Ranjan Mohanty,

in organising such events in the future. In his address, Prof Sourindra Barik, an eminent Odia poet and critic said that only books can transport the readers’ mind to a different world unlocking the doors of Cuttack. She further added that we are kindness and empathy in his heart. He also Shri Sunil Prusty, Dr Govind Chandra born in a culture that worship book regretted that in today’s world knowledge Chand and Shri Manas Ranjan Samal and the parents’ and teachers’ sincere is lost in the ocean of information. were the speakers. The event was presided endeavour can promote a healthy reading Presiding over the function Dr. over by Prof Bijay Kumar Satpathy. habit among the students. She deeply Ratnakar Chaini, a distinguished Odia A programme on ‘My Life, My regretted over the non-function of school author observed that books are the Literature’ was held on 23 December. libraries and the teachers’ indifference to only unfailing friend of a solitary life. Speakers included Shri Anadi Sahu, Dr. inspire the students to read more beyond It is the mother who can build the Dinanath Pathy and Dr. Archana Nayak. their text books. bedrock for reading habit. Shri Pitambar The programme was presided over by Dr Shri Nirmal Chandra Mishra, the Mishra, president, Odisha Publishers & Maheswar Mohanty. Collector & District Magistrate, Cuttack, Booksellers Association thanked NBT for About 85 publishers and booksellers, and the Guest of Honor at the function such a noble venture. The secretary of the both from Odisha and other parts of the highly commended the role of NBT in Association Shri Shubhendu Shekhar Rath country participated at the Fair. The Fair organizing such a book fair at Cuttack and offered vote of thanks. was coordinated by Dr. Pramod Sar, Odia assured to extend all cooperation and help Many literary and cultural editor, NBT India.

6 NBT NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2015 NBT Publications of the Month Comrade Shripad Amrut Dange Care of Small Pets The Story of Helium Ashok S. Chousalkar Geeta Malti Goel 978-81-237-7361-2; Rs 165 978-81-237-7335-3; Rs 180 978-81-237-7336-0; Rs 135 Comrade Dange Pets can change one’s life and be the best of Helium — a played a significant companions. From colourless, role in the Indian a social standpoint, odourless, tasteless, Communist pets play a large non-toxic, inert, movement as well role in many and monatomic gas as in the Trade lonely people’s — heads the Noble Union movement. lives. Keeping pets Gas group in the As a disciple of also helps in the Periodic Table. Its Lokmanya Tilak physical and mental boiling and melting and Mahatma development of points are the lowest Gandhi, he took growing children. and it exists only as a part in the Indian Freedom movement However, with gas except in extreme conditions. Named and was imprisoned for 13 years. He was the changing after the Greek god of Sun ‘Helios’, instrumental in making textile mill workers lifestyle, lesser space and limited time, Helium was first observed in the Sun’s of Bombay the strong arm of working big pets are no longer the ideal choice spectrum in 1868. This book is a scientific class movement in India. A keen student for most families. Smaller pets, which journey of Helium and its mysterious of Indian history, culture and literature, he were earlier thought to be only ‘pocket’ properties. It traces the history of Helium, sought to understand early Indian history pets, are now getting popularity as house its occurrences on Earth, its unique through the Marxist perspective. He did pets. This comprehensive book gives properties, and methods of its sourcing not favour blind imitation of the Soviet details about various small pets available, and production. Immensely valuable in or the Chinese model of development and their characteristics, lifespan, housing, both gaseous and liquid form, Helium held that every country should evolve its breeding, diseases and much more. The is useful in nuclear physics, medical own model of development with genius of aim is to help readers in choosing a pet science, metallurgy, meteorology, rocket its people. ideal for them. operations, cryogenics and many others. Books Received The Baffling Brain; P Cheena Chawla; Healthy Living According to Gandhi; Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer: Our Publications Division, Ministry of I&B, Orient Publishing 5A/8 Ansari Road, Heritage, Avni Nagaria; Universal Law Soochna Bhavan, CGO Complex, Lodi Darya Ganj, New Delhi-110002; 978- Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd., C-FF-1A, Road, New Delhi-110003; 978-81-230- 81-222-0573-2; Rs 195 Dilkush Industrial Estate, G.T. Karnal 1929-1; Rs 60 Road, Delhi-110033; 978-93-5035-049- “Illness is the result 2; Rs 225 Written in an easy- not only of our to-understand style, actions but also of The book reflects the this book provides our thoughts. More mind and faith of answers to many people die out of the a restless, humanist mind-boggling fear of disease than judge, Justice questions such as: the disease itself. ... It Krishna Iyer and the How the primordial is far easier and safer appreciation thereof brain cells in a foetes to prevent illness by by legal luminaries grow and develop? In observing the laws like Justice Michael what way the genetic of health than to Kirby, Supreme material one is born set about curing it.... It is the duty of all Court of Australia; and judges of Supreme with and the adaptations and learning thoughtful men to understand aright the Court of India. The work is full of Krishna from the environment contribute to brain laws of health,” - said Gandhiji. This book Iyer’s love for justice, his sensitivity and development? etc. It also explains common is a discerning selection of thematic essays willingness to help the needy who healed brain afflictions, while highlighting the on health and sustainable wellness by one social ailments by a miraculous drug called role of good night sleep, positive thinking of the truly great figures of the twentieth ‘Justice’. It is a tribute to one of the greatest and mind relaxation techniques. century. sons of India .

FEBRUARY 2015 NBT NEWSLETTER 7 Adieu RNI-39456/82 Postal Regd. No. DL-SW-1-4076/2015-17 Shri Mange Ram Thakran, Licenced to post without prepayment. Assistant, retired from his L.No. U(SW)21/2015-17 service on 31 December Mailing date: 5/6 Same Month 2014. Appointed in 1979, Date of Publication: 01/02/2015 Shri Mange Ram was later promoted as UDC and Assistant during his long Visit innings of 35 years in NBT NEW DELHI WORLD BOOK FAIR India. He has worked in Production, Accounts, Sales Pragati Maidan, New Delhi and Establishment sections 14–22 February 2015 of the Trust.

Smt. Bimla Bhardwaj, Assistant, retired from service on 31 December 2014. Smt Bimla joined the Trust as LDC in 1980 and has rendered her service to the Trust for 34 years. She has worked in Sales, Accounts, Editorial and Exhibitions sections of NBT India. For more details, visit: We at NBT wish them both a happy retired life. www.newdelhiworldbookfair.gov.in

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 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 Aravali Printers and Publishers Pvt. Ltd., W-30 Phase-II, 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 FEBRUARY 2015