Annual Subscription Rs 5.00; 50 paise per copy October 2017 • Vol 35 No. 10
Contents National Sanskrit Book Fair at Varanasi
Sanskrit Advisory Panel Meeting 2 Hindi Pakhwada Celebrations 3 Indonesia International Book Fair 4 Gura Sangraha 5 Tiruvannamalai Book Fair 5 Foundation Day Celebrations at Hyderabad BPC 5 NBT Activities in Punjab 6 Training Courses in Book Publishing 6 Today is the golden day for Sanskrit as Sanskrit is the language which expresses “the first ever Sanskrit Book Fair is being thoughts in very few words. Books On and By Gandhi organized by the National Book Trust, While welcoming the guests, Shri 7 India in the country,” said Shri Ram Naik, Baldeo Bhai Sharma, Chairman, NBT Pick of the Month Hon’ble Governor of Uttar Pradesh while said that Varanasi has had been the inaugurating National Sanskrit Book Fair centre of knowledge and has spread on 9 September 2017. The book fair was knowledge across the world. He expressed organized at Town Hall, Varanasi from 9 his happiness that the first ever Sanskrit to 17 September 2017. Shri Ram Naik Book Fair is being organized by the Trust further added that this effort by the Trust in Varanasi. Besides, he also talked about to promote Sanskrit is commendable as the book promotion activities of the
Concept of Zero S P Deshpande 978-81-237-8048-6; Rs 125 OCTOBER 2017 NBT NEWSLETTER 1 Trust. He added that the Trust has been of the heritage of Sanskrit language, and working towards the promotion of Indian philosophic texts in nation building, languages and in this context, it has also and the basic inspiration that they have initiated publication and promotion of provided to the national institutions as Sanskrit books. reflected through their Motto inscribed in On this occasion, the first Sanskrit their emblems/logos. Some of the Mottos book Gandhi-Tattva-Shatakam recently showcased included Satyamev Jayate, the published by NBT was also launched. National Emblem; Ekah Sutey Saklam, Dr Satya Vrat Shastri, renowned Sanskrit the Motto of National Book Trust, India; litterateur; Prof. Girish Chandra Tripathi, Nabhah Sparsham Deeptam, the Motto Vice Chancellor, Banaras Hindu of Indian Air Force; Aastoma Sadgamaya, University; and Dr. Prithvish Nag, Vice Motto of CBSE among others. Besides, Chancellor, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi the exhibition showcased panels of Vidyapeeth also spoke on the occasion. the Sanskrit terms used in day to day Dr Rita Chowdhury, Director, NBT communication. The panels depicting hoped that this initiative by the Trust the scientific knowledge of Indians since would help in promoting Sanskrit , the Vedic times were also displayed. ancient and classical language of India, A number of literary programmes considerably. including workshops, panel discussions, An exhibition titled ‘Rashtra Nirman storytelling were also organized during Evam Sanskrit Ki Sanskriti,’ was also put the Fair. Several publishers of Sanskrit, at the Fair which showcased the mottos of Hindi, English and other Indian languages national institutions sourced from Sanskrit displayed their books in more than 100 texts. The exhibition highlighted the role stalls at the Fair. Sanskrit Advisory Panel Meeting he first Sanskrit advisory panel meeting was also organized Tby the Trust at the Fair on 10 September 2017 in which advisory panel members discussed about the need to promote the Sanskrit language across the country. The members also suggested that NBT may bring out Sanskrit publications for children as well as general readers of all age groups. The members of the advisory panel who participated in the meeting included , Dr Satya Vrat Shastri, Dr Ramesh Kumar Pandey, Dr Piyushkant Dikshit, Dr Kameshwar Upadhyay, Shri Shriniwas Barakhedi, Prof. Kaushlendra Das, Prof. Shankar Nene, Shri Janardan Hegde and Dr K Sriniwas Rao. The meeting was presided over by Shri Baldeo Bhai Sharma, Chairman, NBT. The meeting was coordinated by Ms Neera Jain, Chief Editor, NBT.
Pustak Sanskriti A quarterly literary magazine in Hindi by National Book Trust, India
For subscription and submission of write-ups, articles Contact: Editor, Pustak Sanskriti, National Book Trust, India, Nehru Bhawan, 5 Institutional Area, Phase II, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi – 110070
Email: [email protected]
2 NBT NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2017 Hindi Pakhwada Celebrations s part of nationwide Hindi Shri Ali Ahmad, Joint Director ADiwas celebrations, National (Admin & Finance) also spoke on the Book Trust, India organised Hindi occasion. He encouraged the officials Pakhwada from 1 to 15 September and the employees of the Trust to 2017. During the Pakhwada, four increase the use of Hindi in their day- competitions for employees of to-day work. the Trust including Hindi general On this occasion, prizes were given knowledge, essay writing, Hindi away to the winners of competitions typing and dictation were organised. held during Hindi Pakhwada. The NBT employees enthusiastically winners included Shri Bhagyendra participated in these competitions. Bhai Patel, Shri Mukeh Kumar, Shri On 14 September, a lecture was Praveen Kumar, Shri Sandeep Kumar, organized on the topic ‘Swatantra Ms Pooja Rawat, Ms Priyanka, Shri Bharat Mein Hindi Mein Karya Karne Om Veer, Ms Savita Prasad, Ms Sunita Ki Aapeksha Evam Avashyakta’. Dr Puran Bajaj, Shri Vikram Singh Meena, Shri Chand Tandon, Professor in Hindi, Narendra Kumar, Shri Shailesh Kumar, University of Delhi delivered the lecture. Ms Bhavna Lohia, Shri Om Prakash, Shri Addressing the gathering, Dr Tandon Jagdish Rajput, Shri Zulfikkar Ali, Shri said that language gives identity to a Mukesh Panwar, Shri Sunil Khokhar, Ms nation. It carries forward the culture and Renu Nirmal, Shri Rajan Kumar, Shri tradition of the country. Therefore, he Aakash Kumar, Shri Deepak Kumar, Shri added that the official language, Hindi Jai Sharma; Ms Navjot Kaur; Ms Ekta, Ms should be promoted. Sunita Madan; Ms Vasundhara Lal, Ms He said that Hindi was declared as Aruna Kumari, Ms Shweta Kumari, Ms
official language on 14 September 1949. also lamented that even after 70 years Anju Kumari and Shri Mani Bhushan. However, it was only in 1965 that Hindi of Independence, we feel the need to The programme was coordinated began to be used as official language. promote Hindi. by Shri Rakesh Kumar, Deputy Director He added that till 1960 there were no He also said that India is a multi- and Rajbhasha Adhikari; and Ms Alpna dictionaries and terminologies in Hindi lingual country. It is necessary to preserve Bhasin, Hindi Translator. to carry forward the official work. He all languages of the country because each language has a long and rich tradition, culture and literature. He said that there is a misconception that Hindi is a tough language. He remarked that Hindi is based on phonetics, if one learns to pronounce the words correctly, then one can easily learn to write the language. He urged people to use Hindi in their official work.
OCTOBER 2017 NBT NEWSLETTER 3 Indonesia International Book Fair he 37th edition of held during the book fair. TIndonesia International Hundreds of school students Book Fair (IIBF) was held visited the book fair and from 6-10 September 2017 senior students also attended at Jakarta Convention Center an educational seminar (JCC), Senayan, Jakarta. and interacted with the Organized by Indonesian educationists. Publishers Association The stall of National (IKAPI) together with the Book Trust India at the Creative Economy Agency IIBF displayed a variety (BEKRAF), the book fair of books covering all attracted participants from genres through a collective 20 countries across the world. exhibit of Indian books The countries included from 40 Indian publishers, India, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, transactions between countries), Literacy in English as well as Hindi, Urdu and Thailand, Taiwan, China, Korea, Japan, Communication Festival, Stock Exchanges Arabic. The stall of National Book Germany, France, The Netherlands, (to bring together publishers with Trust India was visited by a number of Bosnia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and England. authors with scripts), book launches and students, scholars, book lovers, general readers, media as well as people who love
The Fair was inaugurated by Ms discussions, Jakarta, a robot competition India, which were in large numbers. The Rosidayati Rozalina, Chairperson of competing for the Jakarta Governor’s National Book Trust India was awarded IKAPI. In her address she said that the Cup, storytelling competition, literacy an Appreciation Certificate by IIBF IIBF has today emerged as a fair of and cultural tours, math and science organizers for our support in display of international standards. At the same competitions, blog competitions, and Indian books in Jakarta. time, it has not compensated with the many other interesting programmes were Mr Madan Kumar Ghildiyal, First traditional character of a retail Secretary, Embassy of India book fair. Deputy Head of the at Jakarta and Mr Makrand Indonesian Creative Economy Shukla, Director, Jawaharlal Agency (Bekraf) Mr Ricky Nehru Indian Cultural Joseph Pesik aslo spoke on the Centre, Embassy of India, occasion. He said that the IIBF Jakarta also visited NBT is not only a tool of cultural India stall and appreciated diplomacy but also showcases the way NBT India has the rich and diverse domestic been working in promoting book industry of Indonesia. Indian publishing across the On the side lines globe. of the book fair, the Ms Kanchan Wanchoo Indonesia Rights Fair and Sharma, Assistant Director Business Matchmaking (for represented NBT India at the promotion and copyright book fair.
4 NBT NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2017 Guru-Sangraha hri Pranab Mukherjee who is particularly, for the youth of Sknown for his contribution today. in the field of politics and social A compilation of his work, served as the thirteenth convocation addresses at various President of India. He held a universities, Guru-Sangraha: number of key cabinet portfolios Convocation Speeches of President including commerce, defence, Pranab Mukherjee has recently finance and external affairs during been published by National Book his tenure as a parliamentarian. Trust, India. The compilation Besides, before joining politics he includes his convocation addresses was a teacher and journalist. An delivered at Indian Institute of exemplary teacher, a voracious Technology, Kharagpur; All India reader and writer, Shri Mukherjee Institute of Medical Science; Indira commands a vast repertoire of Gandhi National Open University; knowledge on a wide range of across the country. The intellectual University of Mumbai; University subjects as exemplified in the many vigour and the distilled wisdom of Delhi; Defence Institute of Advanced convocation addresses he delivered at encompassing his decades of long technology; Jamia Milia Islamia and various universities and institutions public life are lessons of great learning, Manipur University. Tiruvannamalai Book Fair ational Book Trust, India that healthy reading habit would Nin association with District help younger generation to lead Administration, Tiruvannamalai quality life. organised Tiruvannamalai Book Fair More than 100 publishers from at Ishanya grounds, Tiruvannamalai across the country participated in from 18 to 27 August, 2017. the book fair and displayed books Shri Thiru Sevur S. in various genres at 115 stalls. Ramachandran, Minister for The District Administration and Hindu Religious and Charitable Department of Education arranged Endowments inaugurated the book the visit of school children at the fair. He said that besides textbooks, fair. Everyday over 4000 children children should also be encouraged visited the book fair and participated to read other books as the reading in various activities including short habit will enhance their knowledge story and story telling sessions and and help them to face competitive District Collector of Tiruvannamalai also elocution, poetry writing, drawing exams. Shri Prasanth Wadnere IAS, spoke on the occasion. He was of the view and essay writing competitions. Foundation Day Celebrations at Hyderabad s part of its 60th Foundation Day the programme, noted children’s authors Ghani and Dasari Venkata Ramana, Acelebrations, National Book Trust, Dr Bhoopal Reddy an d Ms Sujata Devi translators of the books were also present India organized several book-related interacted with the children from various on the occasion. programmes at NBT Book Promotion schools and colleges. A one-day book exhibition was Centre, Hyderabad including: Later, a book release function of also organized at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Patanotsava which was organized at recently published NBT books in Telugu Gachibowli on 3 August 2017. BPC Activity Room on 1 August 2017. for children viz. Zoot Ka Thaila, Sone Dr Ayachitam Sridhar, noted critic ka Shila and Fly High in the Sky was Become a member of and Chairma, Telangana Granthalaya organized. The speakers on the occasion NBT Book Club Parishad inaugurated the programme. were Dr Nandini Sidhareddy, Chairman, The function was presided over by Dr Telangana Sahitya Akdemi; and Prof. N Avail a Discount of 20% Akkiraju Ramapathi Rao, noted critic and Gopi, noted Telugu poet. Besides, Shri on NBT Publications member, NBT’s Board of Trustees. During Adepu Laxmipathi, Dr Shaikh Abdul
OCTOBER 2017 NBT NEWSLETTER 5 NBT Activities in Punjab Kutti, Shri Amarjeet Jeet, Shri Sewak Singh Shamiria, Ms Neetu Arora, among others. The session was presided over by Shri Laxman Maluka. A conversation with two well- known authors Shri Sushil Dusanjh and Shri Khushwant Bargadi was organized on 18 August 2017. The session Bhatinda: National Book Trust, India in was presided over by Shri The meet was presided over by Padam Shri association with Punjabi Sahitya Sabha Imtiaz Ali. Dr Surjit Patar. organized a book exhibition from 17 to A storytelling session was organized 23 August 2017 at Bhatinda, the historical Ludhiana: National Book Trust, India on 16 September 2017 in which several city of Punjab. Prof. Labh Singh Kheeva, organized a book exhibition at Ludhiana, Punjabi authors including Shri Sukhjit, Dean, Guru Kashi University inaugurated Punjab from 15 to 21 September 2017. Shri Bhagwant Rasoolpuri, Ms Jasmeet the exhibition. He said that in the times Dr Sukhdev Singh Sirsa, Professor of Kaur among others. when the reading habit of the people is Punjabi, Punjab University inaugurated A seminar on reading habits was declining, National Book Trust, India is the exhibition. organized on 17 September 2017. The playing a significant role in promoting The Trust in association with Punjabi speakers looked into the role of authors the culture of reading in the country. Sahitya Akademi organized several literary in creating the culture of reading. They Shri Jaspal Singh Mankheda, Chairman, programmes during the exhibition. A were of the view that if good quality Punjabi Sahitya Sabha was also present on poets’ meet was held on 15 September books are written which are close to the the occasion. 2017 in which renowned authors of Hindi, issues concerning common man, then the During the exhibition several literary Punjabi and Urdu languages including readers will definitely turn to the books. programmes were organized. A poets’ meet Shri Gurbhajan Gill, Shri Sardar Pancchi, The speakers on the occasion were Shri was organized on 17 August 2017. Noted Shri Sukhwinder Amrit, Shri Gurdayal Guriqbal Singh, Dr Gulzar Singh, Shri Punjabi authors including Shri Kanwaljeet Roashan, Ms Neelu Bagga among others. Surendra Rampuri among others. Training Courses in Book Publishing occasion were Shri E N Nandkumar, Member, Executive Committee, NBT; Dr Veerankutty C. and Ms Neera Jain, Chief Editor, NBT. More than 55 participants from across the state participated in the course. The valedictory function was organized on 26 July 2017 in which Dr R Shasidharan, member Syndicate, CUSAT was the chief guest. Dr Veerankutty C. was also present on the occasion. on the occasion. Over 40 participants short-term training course was As part of its 60th Foundation attended the course. The valedictory organized at Cochin University of A Day celebrations, National Book Trust function was organized on 11 August Science and Technology, Cochin, Kerala organized a short-term training course for 2017. Ms Kiran Chopra, Chairperson, from 19 to 26 July 2017. The course was women at Aditi Mahavidhyalaya, Bawana, Varisht Nagril Kesari Club was the chief inaugurated by Shri Baldeo Bhai Sharma, Delhi from 4 to 11 August 2017. Shri guest on the occasion. Shri Baldeo Bhai Chairman, NBT. Shri P S Gopinathan, Baldeo Bhai Sharma, Chairman, NBT Sharma, Chairman, NBT was also present former Judge of High Court, Cochin was inaugurated the programme. Dr Mamta on the occasion. A book exhibition was the special guest on the occasion. Dr J Sharma, Principal, Aditi Mahavidhyalaya, also organized at Aditi Mahavidhyalaya. Letha, Vice Chancellor, Cochin University Ms Neerja Nagpal, Dr Devendra Both the courses were coordinated by of Science and Technology presided over Bharadwaj, Dr Ritu Khatri and Shri Shri Narendra Kumar, Production Officer, the function. The other speakers on the Sudhir Kumar Gupta were also present NBT. 6 NBT NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2017 Books On and By Gandhi
On 2nd October, the nation celebrates the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. To promote the ideals and values that Mahatma Gandhi stood for, both in his life and in his writings, the NBT continues to publish select books on and by Gandhi. - Editor
Gandhi-Tattva-Shatakam correspondence between Gandhi and Gandhi’s India: Unity in Diversity Dr M V Nadkarni Nehru. Together they portray a strikingly 978-81-237-5213-6 / Rs. 40 Written by noted uniqu relationship that was not only Gandhiji’s basic ideas underwent no change economist, the book personal but also political. during the forty years of his active public is the first Sanskrit life, but their expression and application publication of the Gandhi-Patel: Letters and Speeches varied according to circumstances. This is National Book Trust, Neerja Singh (Comp.) a brief anthology of Gandhiji’s views. India. This bilingual 978-81-237-5556-4 / Rs 60 book in Sanskrit and This collection brings out Pen-Portraits and Tributes by Gandhiji English, is a set of 108 some of the significant U S Mohan Rao verses conceived and correspondences between 81-237-0260-7 / Rs 30 presented in Sanskrit language covering Gandhi and Patel, their The book is a collection all the important aspects of Mahatma mutual respect for of Gandhiji’s sketches Gandhi’s life, work and philosophy. It each other and also the and tributes on endeavours to enrich the Sanskrit language differences between the two some of the eminent by introducing contemporary thinking for on various matters. personalities of his times who nfluenced him the benefit of the youngsters as well as Gandhiji and His Disciples general readers. greatly. It throws light Jayant Pandya on a fascinating aspect Bapu (Part I) 978-81-237-1116-4 / Rs 45 of Gandhiji’s personality; his observations F C Freitas This book is the story of twelve eminent and the ability to penetrate the innate 81-237-1026-7 / Rs 14 Gandhians, their initiation and shaping of goodness of human nature in a few words. The story of Gandhi from their personalities by the Mahatma and his birth till the Dandi their contribution to humanity. The Mahatma and the Poet Sabyasachi Bhattacharya (Comp.) March in pictures and Gandhi: A Life words. 978-81-237-2201-X / Rs 65 Krishna Kripalani Put together from Bapu (Part II) 978-81-237-0646-7 / Rs 60 various published and F C Freitas Mahatma Gandhi lived, suffered and died unpublished sources, 81-237-1025-9 / Rs 16 for his people. Yet it is not in relation this book is a collection This sequal to Part I tells to this country alone that his life has of letters and debates about Gandhi’s arrest significance. Nor is it only as a patriot exchanged between following the Salt Satyagraha or revolutionary reformer that he will Mahatma Gandhi and and ends with his assassination. be remembered by future generations. Rabindranath Tagore An interesting and absorbing account of between 1915-1941. Stories from Bapu’s Life the life and achievements of Mahatma Uma Shankar Joshi Gandhi. What is Hinduism? 978-81-237-0508-8 / Rs 19 Mahatma Gandhi In this book, the noted Gandhi: The Writer 81-237-0927-7 / Rs 35 Gujarati writer relates Bhabhani Bhattacharya A selection of Gandhiji’s some interesting episodes 81-237-3792-0 / Rs 70 articles drawn mainly from Bapu’s life. Written in Gandhi’s growth as one from Young India, a simple and heartwarming of the most influential the Harijan and style, the stories will appeal personalities of modern the Navajivan on to children. times is matched in no Hinduism. Written measure by his growth on different occasions, Gandhi-Nehru Correspondence: A as a prolific writer of these articles present a Selection considerable influence. It picture of Hindu Dharma in all its richness, Arjun Dev (Ed.) takes us on a fascinating comprehensiveness and sensitivity to the 978-81-237-6125-1 Rs 95 journey into the inner workings of Gandhi existential dilemmas of human existence. This collection brings together select as a writer.
OCTOBER 2017 NBT NEWSLETTER 7 RNI-39456/82 Postal Regd. No. DL-SW-1-4076/2015-17 Licenced to post without prepayment. L.No. U(SW)21/2015-17 Mailing date: 5/6 Same Month Date of Publication: 01/10/2017 Nari Shakti Puraskar Every year, Eighth March is celebrated as the International Women’s Day across the world. To acknowledge the achievements and contributions of women, every year Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India felicitates eminent women, organizations and institutions with ‘Nari Shakti Puraskar’. The Ministry of Women & Child Development invites nomination for the ‘Nari Shakti Puraskar’ for the year 2018 from the State Governments, Union Territory Administrations, concerned Central Ministries/ Department/ NGOs, Universities/Institutions, PSUs and individuals. The nominations should reach the Ministry by 15th October 2017. For eligibility criteria and application format please contact Ministry of Women & Child Development or visit their website. http://www.wcd.nic.in/schemes/nari-shakti-puraskar
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: 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.
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8 NBT NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2017