Annual Subscription Rs 5.00; 50 paise per copy March 2021 • Vol 39 No. 3
Contents The Story of India by Young Writers
The Story of India by ndia is the third largest publisher of about a complete change in a person’s Young Writers 1-2 Ibooks in the world. This despite the fact life? There are many examples in the that only a small number of people adopt history of our country where such changes Netaji National Reading Promotion writing as a profession in our country. were brought about by words. India will Recognition Award The strength of a country’s defence, nurture children from their early years 2 health, transport and communication, and the youth in a way that they will Azamgarh Book Fair which are seen as symbols of a country’s be able to become ambassadors of its 2 empowerment becomes meaningful, only literature of a twenty-first century India. if its people are able to express their For every Indian to be a “world citizen”, it In Conversation 3 achievements, aspirations and hopes in is imperative that the voice of the country their own words and languages. How does is heard in their own language on a global Lifetime Achievement Award the reading of a book or an event bring stage in a structured manner. to NBT 3 NBT Books on and by Women 4-5 Excerpts 6 Celebrate World Wildlife Day with NBT Books 7
Pick of the Month
Pleasures of Reading Prem Pal Sharma Translation: Arpita Sen ISBN 978-237-81-9523-2; Rs 175 MARCH 2021 NBT NEWSLETTER 1 As you may be aware, on 31 January Prime Minister will create a large number society rooted in the objectives of the 2021 in his weekly broadcast programme of young writers, who will able to express National Education Policy-2020, will of “Mann Ki Baat”, the Prime Minister themselves in their own mother tongue promote Indian languages and their said, “In every corner of the land, and their writings will be promoted with literatures among the youth. While Bharatbhoomi, great sons and brave opportunities to represent India on a preparing them as future writers and daughters were born, who gave up their global platform. thought leaders, the scheme will ensure lives for the nation. Hence, it is very The Ministry of Education of the to bring the rich heritage of accumulated important that we preserve the saga of their Government of India, has entrusted the ancient Indian knowledge to the forefront. struggles for our sake and their memories implementation of this ambitious scheme As a natural instinct, writing should alive. For this we can write about them for to the National Book Trust, India, an be developed as a skill from an early age. the generations to come.” In his address, organisation which has been working for This will not only promote reading and he had called upon, “all countrymen, the last 64 years to deliver low cost books to writing across Indian languages but also especially the young friends to write about every citizen in their own language. Under could be taken up as a preferred profession freedom fighters, incidences associated this new scheme, young writers selected along with other job options. Moreover, with freedom…the saga of valour during for this mentorship programme will be many languages which are on the verge of the period of freedom struggle in your area. trained to hone their skills in creative extinction will have a new set of writers Now as India will celebrate 75 years of her expressions. As part of the programme, and readers, thereby giving languages freedom, your writings will be the best they will visit various publishing houses a new lease of life. If the quality of tribute to those heroes of our freedom.” and participate in various national and comprehending an event or a place closely In this direction, the Prime Minister also international literary festivals. After the and then comprehensively presenting added that “an initiative has been taken to training programme, their writings will be it in their own words, is developed from encourage young writers of all States and evaluated and published. Besides, they will childhood itself, they will be able to work of all languages. Writers who write on such be provided scholarships and put under better on the problems facing the country, subjects, who have studied deeply Indian the guidance of established and senior find solutions and implement action plans heritage and culture will come forth in writers in their respective language. because they have a clear picture of the large numbers in country.” This scheme, a social investment idea. Importantly, this initiative by the towards building a knowledge-based - Yuvraj Malik
Netaji National Reading Promotion Azamgarh Book Fair Recognition Awards he 21st Azamgarh Book Fair was n the occasion of 125th Birth Torganised under the aegis of the OAnniversary of Netaji Subhas National Book Trust, India through the Chandra Bose observed as Parakram Department of Forest and Environment Diwas, National Book Trust, India has from 27 January to 2 February 2021. The announced the institution of ‘Annual Fair was organised at the auditorium of Netaji National Reading Promotion Shibli National Inter College, Azamgarh. Recognition Awards’. the Theme of this seven day Fair was ‘Bin These annaul Awards, to be presented Pani Sab Soon.’ on 23rd January, will seek to recognise the National Book Trust, India also outstanding contribution of Institutions, exhibited a wide range of its publications Trusts/Foundations, Organisations, across genres at its stall. Many booklovers NGOs as well as State governments, CSR visited the NBT stall and browsed through supported schemes, etc., working with its large collection of books. sustained commitment, innovation and inclusive vision to promote a culture of reading and empowerment among the The National Book Trust, India is in children and youth, in particular, and the the process of constituting a Jury for the other reading communities, in general. Awards which will formulate and release Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director NBT, said the parameters and guidelines for the that NBT will always be a frontrunner in Awards. supporting NGOs/Organisations that This initiative is part of the larger work tirelessly towards creating a reading programme of the Trust under its movement in the country. India@75 umbrella initiative.
2 NBT NEWSLETTER MARCH 2021 In Conversation Each language has its own culture, “tradition and history,” said Prof. Govind Prasad Sharma, Chairman, NBT while discussing the New Education Policy 2020 and its emphasis on the importance of mother tongue as the medium of learning. He added that each language has its own thought process and the children will find it easy to comprehend things when taught in their own mother tongue. On the impact of virtual classes among students, particularly girls during lockdown, Prof. Sharma observed that virtual classes in a way have helped girls to continue their education, especially those who had to walk long distances to reach their schools, or could not attend classes because of many other reasons. role of NBT in promoting books, culture promoting writers and the art and culture Talking about the equality in of reading and Indian languages through of Himachal Pradesh through its various education among youth in rural and urban its activities including publishing books activities. areas, Prof. Sharma said that this equality in more than 50 languages, organising Organised virtually, the talk was held can only be brought out if the youth of translation workshops and book fairs. on the occasion of National Girl Child rural areas are given equal opportunities Dr Karam Singh, Secretary, Himachal Day and International Education Day on and access to resources like the youth in Academy of Arts, Culture and Language 24 January 2021 by Himachal Academy of urban areas. in his welcome address said that NBT Arts, Culture and Language. The session Prof. Sharma also talked about the has been doing a remarkable work in was moderated by Ms Chandrakanta. Lifetime Achievement Award to NBT
ational Book Trust, India various individuals and other institutions Buy NBT Books Online Nwas honoured with Lifetime that were nominated for the awards in Achievement Award for promoting culture promoting books and reading habits at Save 10% of reading in the country at the India the community level, Shri Yuvraj Malik Reading Olympiad on 23 January 2021. announced a donation of NBT books Join NBT Book Club The award was given by Food4Thought worth Rs 5,000 as reward to each nominee. Save 20% Foundation. Based in Hyderabad, Food4Thought Need help in buying eBooks / Prof. Govind Prasad Sharma, Foundation works extensively towards books? Chairman, NBT and Shri Yuvraj Malik, encouraging the habit of reading. The Director, NBT received the award during Foundation has opened several libraries and Contact us at whatsapp the virtual award ceremony. conducts various programmes including 8826610174 Recognizing the efforts taken by the annual India Reading Olympiad. between 9 am - 5 pm.
MARCH 2021 NBT NEWSLETTER 3 NBT Books on and by Women
International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on 8 March. On the occasion, we bring your some of our popular books on and by women.
A Drop in the Ocean: An Autobiography Essence of North-East Padma Sachdev Jyoti Das Rs 205 348 pp Rs 640 276 pp This autobiography is a bitter journey of a One of the least explored aspects of north Dogra girl of Jammu who fought with the eastern part of India is its cuisine. This book, orthodox and men-oriented society. Born one of the very few of its kind, is an eclectic in Jammu, in 1940, Padma Sachdev is one work of documentation that brings together of the eminent poets of Dogri and Hindi some of the traditional recipes of the region. languages. She has written a number of ISBN 978-81-237-8860-9 poetry, anthologies, novels, short stories, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay travelogues and done more than half a dozen translations. Jasleen Dhamija ISBN 978-81-237-6177-0 Rs 50 126 pp Aiwan-E-Ghazal This concise biography of one of the most Jeelani Bano important woman leaders of the twentieth Rs 260 360 pp century India who contributed both Aiwan-e-Ghazal is the saga of the decadent during the pre-independence and post- society of feudal landlordsof Hyderabad. independence periods, brings to light the life The book empathises with the oppressed and times of Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay. women, feels the apathy of a certain ISBN 978-81-237-4881-7 section of society towards the tumultuous Kanaklata Barua events of the time and realises the growing Shiela Bora materialistic approach to life. Rs 155 100pp ISBN 978-81-237-7847-1 The story of Kanaklata Barua is one of the Aruna Asaf Ali most inspiring episodes in the history of G N S Raghavan India’s freedom struggle. Kanaklata was Rs 120 184 pp only seventeen when she fell to the bullets Aruna Asaf Ali is always remembered for her daring act of of brutal police firing while trying to hoist hoisting the tricolor at Gowalia Tank Maidan, Mumbai on 9 the tricolour at the Gohpur Police Station, a August 1942. A fiery political revolutionary during the struggle symbol of British power. for independence, Aruna Asaf Ali became a constructive ISBN 978-81-237-7819-8 and compassionate social evolutionary after independence My Life My Horizon campaigning for the removal of poverty and illiteracy. Nitu ISBN 978-81-237-2762-2 Rs 110 102 pp Both Sides of the Sky Stories from the hinterlands of the country Eunice De Souza (Ed.) where each woman is fighting a battle against Rs 90 284 pp all odds faced with negativity and criticism This anthology fulfils the long felt need and yet has now managed to change the ride to have an authentic and comprehensive in her favour. anthology of Indian poetry in English ISBN 978-81-237-7998-0 written in the post-Independence era. It also Rani Chennamma seeks to become a repository of the creative Sadashiva Wodeyar aspirations and dilemmas of the different Rs 210 130 pp generations of poets since independence Kittur, in Karnataka was the capital a who have chosen to express themselves in a small princely state for nearly 164 years. language that now seems to be fully integrated with the socio- Rani Chennamma was the very first head political and cultural realities of India. of a princely state in India to rise against ISBN 978-81-237-5331-7 the mighty British Empire. Her life is an
4 NBT NEWSLETTER MARCH 2021 inspiring story which will thrill freedom lovers in any country, Women of My Past at all times. Sheela Indra ISBN 978-81-237-2751-8 Rs 295 326 pp To Each Her Own The book traces the lives and tribulations of Vandana R Singh three generations of women, born between the Rs 95 216 pp years 1860 to 1930. Written as a memoir, it This fascinating collection of short stories recreates the socio-economic conditions and focuses on women writers whose stories the often suppressive environment of those emerge largely from a contemporary, days, and paints vibrantly the gradual change urban experience. With representative that preceded today’s woman. stories from popular names like Alka ISBN: 978-81-237-7407-7 Saraogi, Chitra Mudgal, Krishna Sobti, Women in Indian Society Mamta Kalia and Mannu Bhandari Neera Desai & Usha Thakkar among others, this collection, appearing Rs 80 221 pp for the first time in English translation, brings together some Confined to women and women related issues, the book makes of the finest pieces of women’s writings in contemporary Hindi a concerted effort to present the status of Indian women against literature. the ever-changing social, economic, political and academic ISBN 978-81-237-4637-1 backgrounds. ISBN 978-81-237-3677-8 Walking Erect with an Unfaltering Gaze Women Farmers of India Ambai Maithreyi Krishnaraj & Aruna Kanchi Rs 50 76 pp Rs 105 161 pp It is a memoir of the young days of the The book is a significant study that brings to eminent Tamil writer and feminist C.S. light the ever increasing role that women are Lakshmi (Ambai), wherein she recounts playing in the agricultural and allied sectors her experiences of growing up in Mumbai in India. The book is likely to trigger a debate in a Tamil family and her early struggles about ‘the invisibility of women farmers’ in to become a writer during 1960s. India and the resultant social, economic, ISBN 978-87-237-7006-2 political and cultural complexities. ISBN 978-81-237-5319-5
MARCH 2021 NBT NEWSLETTER 5 Excerpts [(s-a) (s-b) (s-c) (s-d) ]. NBT is bringing out a book titled He gave the following formulae for Famous Algebraists of the World, written diagonals – by Mahesh Dube and translated into 1 English by K.K. Sharma. Herein we (ab + cd) (ac + bd) 2 b reproduce an excerpt from the book. p = ad + bc a p Aryabhata q Aryabhata was a revolutionary 1 c (ab + bc) (ac + bd) 2 mathematician and astronomer. He q = d organised traditional knowledge by ad + cd modifying it and also obtained some new and original results: 1 (1) Aryabhata divided Satyug, (ab + cd) (ac + bd) 2 b Tretayug, Dwaparyug and Kaliyugp =in equal time periods with equal number ad + bc a p of years. Earlier, the time period of these eras were considered in the ratio of 4:3:2:1 q years. He proposed a simple and coherent 1 c (eclipseab + ba cbig) ( ashadowc + bd of) Earth2 covers the mathematical form of time division, Moon. d according to which: q = The successors of Aryabhata, especially 1 Kalpa = 14 Manu ad + cd Brahmagupta, criticized him for many of 1 Manu = 72 Mahayuga his revolutionary and original findings. 1 Mahayuga = 43,20,000 years In the west, W. Snell obtained these Brahmagupta wrote: He divided Mahayuga in four equal formulae in 1619. Howard Eves in his parts of 10,80,000 years. vk;ZHkVks tkukfr xzgk’Vxfra ;nqDrokaLrnlr book An Introduction to the History of (2) He discovered a code system to (i.e. Aryabhata’s knowledge on the Mathematics, published in 1969, remarked write very large numbers with the help of movement of eight planets is not correct.) that the formulae of Brahmagupta were vowels and consonants. Aryabhata’s explanation on eclipse unique and remarkable. 2 2 (3) He determined the value of π, was also rejected by later astronomers. Brahmagupta’s equation, x – Ny = + 1 which was more appropriate and correct as Govindaswami called his theory of is considered one of his best achievements. compared to his predecessors: rotation of Earth as ‘false knowledge’ and This equation is known as Pell Equation. prqjf/kda “kre’Vxq.ka }’kfLVLrFkk lgL=kk.kke~A Varahamihira also rejected it. Not only Euler named it as Pell Equation, though v;qr}; fo’kdEHkL;klUuks o`Ùk ifj.kkg%AA this, noted grammarian Appaya Dixit John Pell (1611-1685) had nothing to do (1530-1600), said: According to which, with the equation. ^vk;ZHkV?kfHker~ HkwHkze.kkfnoknkuka Jqfr U;k; 62,832 According to B. L. van der Waerden π = = 3.1416 fojks/ksu gs;Rokr* (Geometry and Algebra in Ancient 20,000 That is, Aryabhata’s theory related to Civilizations, 1983) Brahmagupta’s Aryabhata is the first Indian the rotation of Earth is against Shastras interest in linear Diophantine equations mathematician, who determined this value and is therefore, blameworthy. was due to astronomical problems. But he correctly up to four decimal places. He In India, when scholars like Appaya gives the credit of Brahmagupta’s interest even considered this value as approximate. Dixit were renouncing the principles in Pell Equation to the post traditions that (4) He developed sine-tables at of Aryabhata, there in the west, a new evolved from the Greek sources, which difference of 3º 45’. scientific era was beginning due to according to him, Brahmagupta was (5) He postulated that Earth rotates renaissance. following. But such a conclusion would be on its axis in east to west direction. an injustice to the brilliance and originality Brahmagupta (6) Denying the prevalent beliefs of of Brahmagupta. George Gheverghese Brahmagupta gave the formulae for Rahu-Ketu for the eclipse, he presented Joseph has rightly stated in his book The the area of a cyclic quadrilateral and its correct mathematical explanations of solar Crest of the Peacock that, “Brahmagupta diagonals. eclipse and lunar eclipse: was probably the first mathematician to Nkn;fr “k”kh lw;Za “kf”kua egrh p HkwPNk;kA ^Hkqt;ksxk/kZpr`”V; Hkqtksu?kkrkr~ ina lw{ee~* give solutions to both equations in rational At the time of solar eclipse, Moon If a + b + c + d = 2s, then the area of a integers. His approach is ingenious and covers the Sun and at the time of lunar cyclic quadrilateral will be: general.”
6 NBT NEWSLETTER MARCH 2021 Celebrate World Wildlife Day with NBT Books A Kite’s Story about the wildlife and discover Jujurna, a magnificient bird Sukanya Datta species found only in the mountains of northern India. Rs 155 106 pp ISBN 978-81-237-8169-3 This book introduces children to the many Lizards species of birds and trees in and around our Indraneil Das & Romulus Whitaker neighbourhood. Told by a pair of kites, Mr and Rs 25 32 pp Mrs Cheel, the book with beautiful photographs, An informative, authoritative book about the encourages children to explore the boundaries of their local locale, habits, breeding, etc. of different kinds environment, the parks and playgrounds. of lizards. Pencil sketches and photographs ISBN 978-81-237-8710-7 complement the lucid text. Adventures of a Wildlife Warden ISBN 978-81-237-2145-3 E R C Davidar Panther on the Prowl Rs 45 64 pp M D Chaturvedi The author, a wildlife expert, relates his exciting Rs. 80 88 pp encounters with a killer tusker and animal The panther has been living virtually in the poachers. shadow of its bigger cousins, the lion and the ISBN 978-81-237-2269-6 tiger. This book unmasks the colourful glory and Among Tigers and Tuskers graceful gait of this secretive animal which has Ramesh Bedi remained hidden from public gaze by its studied Rs 95 106 pp reserve and sworn seclusion. In 1973 preservationists launched the Project ISBN 978-81-237-1948-1 Tiger and in 1991-92 the Project Elephant to Steed of the Jungle God protect these two crowning glories of our forests. Raza H Tehsin with Arefa Tehsin This book describes the habits and habitats of Rs. 575 142 pp these animals and their relations with each other A fine compilation of real-life encounters, it as also with human beings. offers a peep into the times when man and ISBN 81-237-3107-8 animal were trying to co-exist, with perhaps Common Birds man becoming more resourceful even though Salim Ali & Laeeq Futehally remaining in the awe of the mesmerizing vast thick greens Rs. 100 126 pp inhabited by tigers, panthers and others of their kith and kin. Based on a study of Indian bird-life extending Also provides a glimpse into the psychology of why many hunters over four decades, this book conveys all that one ended up being distinguished conservationists. would like to know about birds. ISBN 978-81-237-8145-7 ISBN 978-81-237-1032-7 Strange Ways of the Honey Bee Insects S I Farooqi M S Mani Rs 50 24 pp Rs. 120 162 pp As the title indicates, this book explains The book looks at the exciting world of insects in a scientific manner the life pattern of with special reference to India. The author bees and how they make honey. Originally considers insects to be man’s fellow-beings written in Hindi, the book has beautiful illustrations. and explores their interdependence, mutual ISBN 978-81-237-6603-4 adjustments and tolerance. The Fascinating World of Biology ISBN 978-81-237-1091-4 Rohini Muthuswami Jujurna: The King of Birds Rs 85 60 pp Anita Chauhan Nature is endowed with creativity, so are the Rs 90 36 pp wonderful phenomena, which we see around Vikran and his sister Kavita are visiting the Kufri us. The book explores the fascinating world Nature Park near Shimla with their parents on of animas, birds and insects and explains in lucid manner the a weekend. The Nature Park is home to many principles of science and mathematics behind various phenomena. species of birds and mammals. Follow the siblings as they learn ISBN 978-81-237-9074-9
MARCH 2021 NBT NEWSLETTER 7 Promotion of Tamil Language RNI-39456/82 Postal Regd. No. DL-SW-01/4076/21-23 Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director NBT- India, met Prof. Gurmeet Singh, Licenced to post without prepayment. Vice Chancellor of Pondicherry L.No. U(SW)-21/2021-23 University. During the meeting, they Mailing date: 5/6 Same Month discussed about the collaboration Date of Publication: 01/03/2021 between NBT and the Pondicherry University on promotion of NBT Celebrates translations and original works in Tamil language. 72nd Republic Exhibition on Indo-French Cultural Day Heritage National Book Trust, India celebrated 72nd Republic Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director, NBT, Day at its Headquarters in visited the French Institute of Vasant Kunj, New Delhi on Puducherry. He met Ms Cecile 26 January 2021. On this Hoorelbeke, General Secretary and occasion, Shri Yuvraj Malik, Mr. Huego David, HoD Indology. Director, NBT, hoisted the During the meeting, Shri Malik National Flag. In his address, discussed about the ‘Exhibition of Shri Malik, spoke about the Indo-French Cultural Heritage’ at importance of upholding the the 2022 Edition of New Delhi World Book Fair (where France constitutional, democratic and is the Guest of Honour Country as per the Indo-French Joint republic ideals of our nation. Statement of 2018), as well as an exhibition at Puducherry on the The event was attended by the sidelines of the event. Shri Malik also discussed NBT’s publishing officials of the Trust. few research works of the Institute’s Indology Department.
NBT Newsletter is the house magazine of the National On India Government Service Book Trust, India — an autonomous organisation of the Ministry of Education, 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 Anuj Kumar Bharti 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.
Typeset and designed at Capital Creations, Subhram Complex, If undelivered please return to: Munirka, New Delhi-110 067. National Book Trust, India, Nehru Bhawan, 5 Institutional Area, Phase-II, New Delhi - 110 070
8 NBT NEWSLETTER MARCH 2021