Relief India Trust
Five-year-old Ayush boasts of a library of his own. It is peopled by authors, largely foreign, and characters, equally foreign. But, what's important is that he not only takes pride in his own personal library - as opposed to his parents' - but also loves to open a book on his lap on a quiet afternoon when he sees his mother do the same.
But is Ayush a rare Indian child who does not sprawl himself in front of the television and picks up a book to read instead? Popular opinion would say, 'yes', because it is generally believed that children are no longer reading as they used to a few generations ago. But if one were to ask the book world insiders, and go by sketchy industry figures, children's publishing is exploding with possibilities, just as is the case with publishing in general in the country. As far as children's literature is concerned, "the field is growing at a nervous speed each day," says Tultul Biswas of Eklavya, the well-known Bhopal-based NGO working for social change through meaningful education with a robust publication arm.
But is Ayush a rare Indian child who does not sprawl himself in front of the television and picks up a book to read instead? Popular opinion would say, 'yes', because it is generally believed that children are no longer reading as they used to a few generations ago. But if one were to ask the book world insiders, and go by sketchy industry figures, children's publishing is exploding with possibilities, just as is the case with publishing in general in the country. As far as children's literature is concerned, "the field is growing at a nervous speed each day," says Tultul Biswas of Eklavya, the well-known Bhopal-based NGO working for social change through meaningful education with a robust publication arm.
No wonder, the upcoming New Delhi World Book Fair - scheduled to be held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from February 15 to 23 - has children's literature as its theme. The fair director, M A Sikander, who is also the director of the organising body, the National Book Trust ( NBT) is hoping children will come in large numbers to soak up the edition of the fair dedicated to them. "Children's books have always been a huge attraction in other editions of the fair too but since this one has children's literature as its theme, we will be organising some fascinating activities for children and our young readers. For instance, the Illustrator's Corner will shed light on the very important aspect of a children's book, the illustration. Besides, we will have Ruskin Bond, the most popular Indian author who has written extensively for children, inaugurating the fair."
A big chunk of the total of 1,070 exhibitors at the fair will comprise children's book publishers, reflecting the energy being experienced by the segment in general. The scenario busts the myth that children are not reading anymore, or that children are not reading much due to easy access to alternative - and more dramatic - means of entertainment.
A big chunk of the total of 1,070 exhibitors at the fair will comprise children's book publishers, reflecting the energy being experienced by the segment in general. The scenario busts the myth that children are not reading anymore, or that children are not reading much due to easy access to alternative - and more dramatic - means of entertainment.
Relief India Trust
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