Annual Subscription Rs 5.00; 50 paise per copy September 2017 • Vol 35 No. 9

Contents NBT Celebrates 60th Foundation Day

NBT Celebrates 60th Foundation Day 1-2 NBT Foundation Day Lecture 3 National Book Promotion Policy 4 Sessions During the National Seminar 5-6 Har Haath-Ek Kitab 6 Obituary 7 The world of books is wonderful. Book Trust, India to mark its 60 years of New Initiatives from NBT “They have their own fragrance and foundation. 8 reading them gives us joy,” said Shri Emphasising on the fact that even Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister for though digitisation is taking place in Human Resource Development in his the world, the love for books has not Pick of the Month video address at the inauguration of 2-day diminished. Every year 70,000 books are National Seminar on ‘Bhartiya Sahitya published, of which 20,000 books are in Mein Rashtriyata Ka Bodh’ (Nationalism English. India is the third largest publisher and Indian Literature) held at IIC, New in the world. He added that the format of Delhi from 1 to 2 August 2017. The reading may be different -ebooks, audio seminar was organised by the National books or printed books, the reading habit

The Asthete Brijnandan Sahay “Brijvallabh” Translation : Murari Madhusudan Thakur 978-81-237-8043-6; Rs 125 SEPTEMBER 2017 NBT NEWSLETTER 1 has not diminished. He further said he did not know the languages that these formats complement spoken in those areas. each other. Smt Mridula Sinha, noted Recalling his days when he author and Governor of Goa, who was studying in college, Shri presided over the function, said Javadekar said that whenever he that a book is like a tree which wished to read a book, he had to plays a role of a son, a friend and search the book in libraries. But a teacher(Guru). She further added now, times have changed. We now that nationalism is like a spark have National Digital Library from which lightens up when the right where readers can access 60,000 time comes. books. He further said with the Shri Baldeo Bhai Sharma, advancement in technology, one can keep we have different languages and culture, Chairman, and Dr. Rita Chowdhury, several books at one place in the form of the sense of nationalism remains the same Director, NBT also spoke on the occasion. ebooks. For those who cannot find time in literature. He further said that the On this occasion, some of the NBT’s to read books, audio books are helpful as concept of nationalism is not new, it was recent publications namely Physics in they can listen to it while travelling. present in Indian literature since ancient Ancient India, authored by Shankar He added that the population is times. Even though the foreign invaders Nene & N G Dongre; Mahajeevan: increasing, so is the buying capacity of were victorious, they were defeated by the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee authored by people. Now a large number of people philosophic tradition of Indian litterateurs. Anathbandhu Chatterjee; Bharat Ki can be seen buying or browsing through He talked about Bhakti movement Maulik Ekta, authored by Vasudev Sharan books at book fairs. He said that with new during which litterateurs who were also Aggrawal; Bihar Indradhanushiye Lok developments, the challenges too have philosophers played a major role in Rang, authored by Mridula Sinha; and changed and we should take these changes uniting and awakening the people of India Bharat Rashtra Aur Uski Shiksha Padhati, as an opportunity to develop reading and creating national consciousness about authored by Neerja Madhav were also habit across the country. Shri Javadekar India as a nation. Later in the 19th century, released. urged National Book Trust, India to create many writers like Rajaram Mohun Roy, The inauguration was followed by an action plan, a strategy and a vision to Bankim Chandra, Bhartendu, Subhadra sessions on nationalism in literature, create a new world. Kumari Chauhan, Maithlisharan Gupt challenges in children’s writing, and Dr Krishna Gopal, renowned scholar, wrote in a new perspective and presented nationalism and identity. Eminent thinker and writer, who was the chief nationalism in a different manner. writers and scholars including Dr Sonal speaker on the occasion, said that literature Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kuldip Mansingh, Shri Prem Shankar Tripathi, is incomplete if it does not create a sense Chand Agnihotri, Vice Chancellor, Dr Avnijesh Awasthi, Dr Kshama Sharma, of nationalism. He further said that since Central University, Himachal Pradesh, Dr Darshan Singh Ashat among others Vedic times, nationalism and mankind are the special guest on the occasion, said that presented their views. an integral part of Indian literature. He nationalism can only be felt, it cannot be The august gathering included well- said that the works of writers like Valmiki, seen. He was of the view that a “nation known authors, scholars and publishers Ved Vyas and Kalidas mention Bharat as a without nationalism” is incomplete. like Shri Kamal Kishore Goenka, Nand national entity. Quoting Guru Nanak Dev, he said that Kishore pande, Anamika, Alok Mehta, Talking about the unity in diversity of he travelled across India and was able to Manohar Puri, Yatindra Mishra, Suresh India, Shri Krishna Gopal said that though spread his message of oneness even though Rituparn among others.

2 NBT NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2017 NBT Foundation Day Lecture I was fascinated by the role the books “played in the making of India. A Nation can come into being only when books are written,” said Prof. Makarand R Paranjape while delivering the sixth NBT Foundation Day Lecture on ‘Books and Reading in Today’s India.’ The function was organized on 1 August 2017 at Multipurpose Hall, India International Centre, New Delhi. Citing one of the early novels in Malayalam, Indulekha as a national allegory in which the character of the novel, Madhavan who is in love with Indulekha travels across India, Prof. “I will not say, I am a collector of books are learning machines. Paranjape said that in a way the novel but an owner of a few books,” added Prof. Earlier, Shri Baldeo Bhai Sharma, creates a larger consciousness of a nation. Paranjape. He lamented the fact that these Chairman, NBT welcomed the guests. He Talking about women, in context of days very few people have libraries at their said that with the support of authors and reading, Prof. Paranjape observed that homes. readers, NBT has been carrying forward women played a larger role in creating a Referring to The Battle of the Books by its publishing programme to promote consciousness for reading even before Jonathan Swift, one of the greatest satirists culture of reading. He said that NBT has independence. He said that in the 19th of the English language, Prof. Paranjape 300 bestseller books in different languages. century only 0.02 per cent women were said that Swift in his book talks about a He added that mobile vans are playing a literate, and mostly limited to writing their huge war going on between ancients and significant role in making books accessible names. He referred to Justice Mahadev moderns. Great arrogance of moderns to readers in remote areas. Govind Ranade’s wife Ramabai who was have changed things.” Referring to the Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rita not educated but developed her interest in burning of libraries like the Library of Chowdhury, Director, NBT, said that “I reading when her father sent a letter to her Alexandria and Nalanda, Prof. Paranjape was nine years old when my elder sister brother asking him to bring the things that said as much as there is progress, there is died. During that time books were my she had asked for in her prayers. Ramabai also a certain decivilization. only companion giving me solace and was amazed to see how a piece of paper While talking about the reading habit comfort. Books told me, do not worry, I with a few words written on it fulfilled amongst people, Prof. Paranjape said am with you. From that time, whenever I her desire. This enthused her to take up that people are no longer interested in am in distress, I hold the hands of books.” reading. reading. According to him, reading is an She added that books connect the reader Sharing his journey of how he antisocial activity. He added that book is with the world and we become a part of developed habit of reading and fascination so antisocial that you even forget to eat or a wider universe. “I am one of the readers for books, he said that he was introduced sleep. He felt that people who love books who survive because of books,” she said. to the world of books through the personal library of his father and grandfather. His Makarand R. Paranjape, Professor of English at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New mother was a voracious reader and he used Delhi, earned his Masters and Doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana- to bring books for her from a lending Champaign (USA). A well-known poet, short story writer and novelist, Prof. Paranjape’s library. His elder brother was another publications include Cultural Politics in Modern India: Postcolonial Prospects, Colourful influence and he read whatever his brother Cosmopolitanism, Global Proximities, The Death and Afterlife of Mahatma Gandhi, read. and Making India: Colonialism, National Culture, and the Afterlife of Indian English “The romance of books, is how you Authority. pick up books,” said Prof. Paranjape while Makarand was the Inaugural DAAD Global South Visiting Fellow and Erich describing his passion for books and his Auerbach Visiting Professor in World Literature, University of Tuebingen, Visiting search for his favourite books. He said Senior Research Fellow, Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore, that he used to visit the Sunday market at Inaugural ICCR Chair in Indian Studies, South Asian Studies Programme, National Daryaganj where he could buy books at a University of Singapore, CAPES Visiting Professor, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and good discount. “Slowly, I had a respectable Shivdasani Visiting Fellow, Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, University of Oxford. collection of books. I found different ways to find books,” said Prof. Paranjape. Makarand is also a columnist for Swarajya, DNA and Mail Today.

SEPTEMBER 2017 NBT NEWSLETTER 3 National Book Promotion Policy overnment of India is working Gon finalizing a National Book Promotion Policy, which will take care of providing a policy direction to the whole spectrum of book publication, writing and distribution in order to promote a culture of reading in the society, said Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Hon’ble Minister of State of Human Resource Development, Government of India. He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the two-day National Seminar, organized by the National Book Trust, India to coincide with the 60 Years Programmes of the Trust. Dr. Pandey emphasized on the significant role being played by Maithlisharan Gupt among others also occasion. He said that nationalism was an National Book Trust, India in creating portray nationalism. He added that the important component of Indian literature a culture of reading and re-affirmed importance of printed books will not since Vedic times. A number of words the commitment of the Government of diminish. related to nation like Rashtra, Rashtriyata, India to support its endeavors to meet its Shri Rangahari, well-known author were used in ancient texts. Referring to avowed objectives. and thinker, was the chief speaker on the Vishnu Puran, he said that it describes

In his observations on the theme India situated at the north of sea and south of the seminar, Dr. Pandey said, of the mountains. A widely read scholar “Nationalism is an integral part of and polyglot, Shri Rangahari also quoted Indian literature.” In his address, Dr from literatures of various languages Pandey said that geographically India is where the concept of nationalism is well surrounded by sea from three sides and delineated. its boundaries are open. We have been In his presidential remarks, Shri attacked several times by foreign invaders Narendra Kohli, eminent writer, since ancient times and for about 200 emphasized on the role of intellectuals in years we were ruled by the British, the making of a nation like the rishis of even then we were able to preserve our ancient India who played a major role in culture and literature. He added that we the conception of India as a nation. are moving ahead in empowering India On this occasion NBT’s recent because of wisdom provided by our publications in Hindi titled Aapki Sehat, ancient texts and sense of nationalism in authored by Dr Vijay Mittal and Dr our literature. Shyama Prasad: Ek Shikshak, authored by He said that Kumarsambhav authored Ms Namrata Sharma were also released. by Kalidas creates a sense of nationalism. Shri Baldeo Bhai Sharma, Chairman, Besides, the writings of modern writers and Dr. Rita Chowdhury, Director, NBT like Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, also spoke on the occasion.

4 NBT NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2017 Sessions During the National Seminar

he first session of the in earlier literatures were Tseminar ‘Sahitya Mein according to the social Swadesh Bhav’ highlighted conditions of that time. Now, on the nationalism in Indian with the changing times, the literature. The speakers on socio-economic conditions the occasion were Shri Prem are also changing, therefore, Shankar Tripathi, Shri Agni the definition should also be Shekhar and Dr Avnijesh changed accordingly. Awasthi. The session was The fourth session of the presided over by Dr Sonal seminar ‘Janjatiye Sahitya: Mansingh. Referring to the Paridhi Se Kendra Ki Aur’ Indian literature since ancient focused on the tribal literature times, the speakers were of the of India. The session was view that nationalism found presided over by Prof. Nand mention in our literature Kishore Pande, Director, in one way or the other. In Kendriya Hindi Sansthan. fact, nationalism was represented in a bring children back to books to connect The other speakers on the occasion were: very unique manner, wherein the whole them with our culture and tradition. Prof. T V Kattimani, Vice chancellor, universe was considered as one family. ‘Asmita Ke Prashan Aur Rashtriyata’ Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Janjatiye The foreign invaders like Greeks were also was the theme of the third session of the Vishvidhyalaya; Shri Ashok Bhagat and influenced by the Indian literature. seminar. Shri Liladhar Jagudi and Shri Shri Rudra Narayan Panigrahi. During the The second session of the seminar Ravi Tekchandani were the speakers on discussion, the speakers accepted the fact was on the topic ‘Bal Mann: Lekhan ki the occasion. Shri Daya Shankar Sinha that the tribal literature is coming out of Chunautiyan’. The speakers on the occasion presided over the session. In the session, its boundaries and is now becoming a part were Shri Prakash Manu, Dr Kshama the speakers observed that the definition of of the mainstream. The tribal literature is Sharma and Dr Darshan Singh Aashat. the words ‘nation’ and ‘nationalism’ needs now getting more attention and people The session was presided over by Shri revision. Their definition as mentioned are getting acquainted with the literature. Krishna Kumar Ashthana. The children’s They also expressed their concern over the writers are facing several challenges to fact that some of the tribal languages are draw children towards reading, echoed on the verge of extinction. the speakers at the session. They were of The fifth session ‘Lok Sahitya Mein the view that information technology is Bharat’ reflected upon the folk literature of influencing children a lot as they are more India. The speakers on the occasion were keen on playing video games and spending Shri Yatindra Mishra, Shriram Parihar their time on the Internet. In the process, and Ms Malini Awasthi. The session was they are drifting away from their innate presided over by Dr Devendra Deepak. nature. They felt that it is necessary to Sharing their views on the folk literature of

SEPTEMBER 2017 NBT NEWSLETTER 5 India, they observed that the folk literature on ‘Rashtriya Jagran Aur Mahila Lekhan’ of and culture of India has been preserved the seminar. The speakers on the occasion because of oral tradition of India. The folk included well-known writers – Dr Neerja songs, the folk stales have now merged Madhav, Dr Reeta Shukl, Dr Advaita Kala with the mainstream. They remarked and Ms Malti Joshi. They said that women that different culture, rituals, traditions writers like Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, of different regions of India together form Mahadevi Verma through their writings one India. on nationalism tried to awaken the people “Women writers have played a of India. They also talked about the role significant role in the awakening of India,” of women in preserving the literature and observed the speakers at the sixth session culture of India through oral folk tradition.

“Har Haath Ek Kitab” It gives me immense pleasure to inform “you that National Book Trust, India is completing 60 years of its formation. It will continue to work towards promotion of book culture with more vigour,” said Shri Baldeo Bhai Sharma, Chairman, NBT while announcing the new initiatives being taken by the Trust on completion of its 60 years at a Press Conference held at Constitution Club, New Delhi on 27 July 2017. Attended by a cross section of media, the conference was organized to create an awareness among the general public on various activities and programmes of NBT towards promotion of books and foster the culture of reading. In his address, Shri National Sanskrit Book Fair, Promotion socially and technologically, she said that Baldeo Bhai Sharma outlined some of of Indian Diaspora Writings, Digital we are adapting with changes and trying the new initiatives that NBT proposes to Publishing Workshops among others. to explore innovative ideas to inculcate undertake towards the culture of books In her brief address, Dr Rita reading habit and to create a knowledgeable and reading. New initiatives include Chowdhury, Director, NBT said that in society. Dr Chowdhury hoped that media National Panchayat Book Fair, Festival these 60 years NBT has contributed to the would continue to support NBT to carry of Reading for Kids and Yound Adults, society. Aware of the rapid changes both forward its mission.

6 NBT NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2017 Obituary Eunice De Souza Yash Pal Dr Eunice De Souza, noted poet, critic and Noted scientist, academician and science teacher passed away in Mumbai on 29 July communicator, Prof. Yash Pal passed 2017. She was born on 1 August 1940 in away on 24 July 2017. Born in 1926 in Pune, Maharashtra into a Goan Catholic the Jhang district in present day Pakistan, family. She obtained Master’s degree in Professor Yash Pal graduated from Punjab English literature from the Marquette University with a degree in Physics in University in Wisconsin and PhD from 1949. He earned PhD from Massachusetts Mumbai University. She was head of the Institute of Technology in 1958 with English department at St. Xavier’s College a specialisation in high-energy physics, Lucknow and Queen’s College, Varanasi astrophysics, communication, science and completed his BSc in 1944 in Physics, policy and space technology. He was Chemistry and Mathematics. He obtained Professor, Tata Institute of Fundamental his MSc in organic chemistry in 1946. Research, Mumbai; Director, Space He received his PhD in synthetic organic Applications, Centre, Ahmedabad chemistry from the Lucknow University. (1973-81); Chief Consultant, Planning Dr Bhargava went to the US in 1953 and Commission (1983-84); Secretary, worked as a project associate at a laboratory Department of Science and Technology for cancer research. He played an active (1984-86) and Chairman, University part in the discovery Grants Commission (1986-91), New of 5-fluorouracil, an Delhi. He also served as president of anticancer drug. He in Mumbai, until her retirement in 2000. the Indian Physics Association among worked at different Her first collection of poems, Fix was several other key positions. He also served research institutions published in 1979. Her second poetry in the UK and collection Women in Dutch Painting was France. He served published in 1988, followed by Ways of as vice chairman Belonging in 1990 and Selected and New of National Poems in 1994. She also wrote two works Knowledge of fiction, Dangerlok (2001) and Dev & Commission Simran: A Novel constituted in 2005. Besides, served (2003), besides as a member in the National Security editing anthologies Advisory Board and was a nominee of the such as Nine Indian Supreme Court of India on the Genetic Women Poets: An Engineering Appraisal Committee of Anthology (2001) as the Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru the Union government. Dr Bhargava and These My University, New Delhi from 2007 to 2012. is recipient of over 100 national and Words: The Penguin He was recipient international honours and awards, Book of Indian of several awards including the Padma Bhushan in 1986 Poetry (2012). Her including Padma and the Legion d’Honeur in 1998 of last collection of Bhushan in 1976; France. Dr Bhargava’s pioneering vision poetry, Learn from Indira Gandhi Prize and efforts led to the founding of the the Almond Leaf was published in 2016. for Popularization Centre for Cellular and Molecular Her anthology Both Sides of the Sky was of Science in 2000; Biology (CCMB )in 1977. He authored published by the National Book Trust, Meghnad Saha and co-authored several books including India under its Golden Jubilee Anthology Medal in 2006; Proteins of Seminal Plasma, The Saga of series. and India’s second Indian Science since Independence: In a highest civilian Nutshell; The Two Faces of Beauty: Science Pushpa Mitra Bhargava honour, the Padma and Art among others. His book Angels, Dr Pushpa Mitra Bhargava, well-known Vibhushan, in 2013. Prof. Yash Pal was Devil, and Science: A Collection of Articles scientist passed away on 1 August 2017 closely associated with NBT in several on Scientific Temper, co-authored with after a prolonged illness. He was born in advisory capacities, his book Random Chandana Chakrabarti was published by Ajmer, Rajasthan on 22 February 1928. Curiosity, (co-authored with Dr Rahul Pal) NBT in 2007. He studied at Theosophical College, was published by NBT.

SEPTEMBER 2017 NBT NEWSLETTER 7 New Initiatives from NBT RNI-39456/82 Postal Regd. No. DL-SW-1-4076/2015-17 National Panchayat Book Fair Licenced to post without prepayment. Designed for rural readers to involve local Panchayati Raj institutions L.No. U(SW)21/2015-17 for promoting a culture of reading. Mailing date: 5/6 Same Month Jamboreee: Festival of Reading for Kids and Young Adults Date of Publication: 01/09/2017 To promote interaction among conventional and digital content creators, publishers, young readers, authors, parents, teachers, artists Forthcoming Book Fairs and illustratos for children books. Sirsa Book Fair, Haryana September 2017 National Sanskrit Book Fair Varanasi Book Fair, Uttar Pradesh September 2017 To showcase books and publications in Sanskrit as well as on Sanskrit Agra Book Fair, Uttar Pradesh October 2017 written in other langauges. Children’s Book Festival, Pune October 2017 Promotion of Indian Diaspora Writing Contact : Deputy Director (Exhibitions), NBT India Publishing select books and anthologies of Indian diaspora, settled all Phone : 011-26707780-81-88 over the world, in a phased manner. E-mail: [email protected] Publishing Courses for Girl Students Special training courses in publishing for girl students for a career in 16th Kochi International Book Festival publishing field. Ernakulathappan Grounds, Durbar Hall Road Ernakulam, Kochi Digital Publishing Workshops Publishers and booksellers may contact: Workshops for Indian language authors, publishers and other Antharashtra Pusthakotsava Samithi publishing professionals in association with premier government Kaloor Towers, Kaloor, Ernakulam, Kochi-682017 institutions, C-DAC, and other major IT companies. Tel.: 0484-4047588 • Fax: 0484-23388324 E-mail: [email protected] Books for Children with Special Needs Website: www.bookfestkochi.org To bring out quality publications in braille, tactile, audio / digital Last Date for application : 15 November 2017 formats for readers with special needs.

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 SEPTEMBER 2017