Publications Division participates in New Delhi World Book Fair, 2019

Publications Division, Ministry of I & B participated in the New Delhi World Book Fair held  at  Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 5th to 13th January, 2019. Seven books brought out by the Division were released by Secretary, Ministry of I&B Shri Amit Khare on the inaugural day, 5th January, at the World Book Fair. Stressing on the importance of reading books, Shri Amit Khare, Secretary, Ministry of I&B said that while one may get information from the internet, one always comes to books to attain true knowledge and broaden one's understanding. Appreciating the good work done by Publications Division, he said that the Division not only gives opportunities to good writers from across the length and breadth of country, but also helps spread Indian literature abroad. Shri Khare was also extremely appreciative of the wide representation of women in the event, including representatives of Publications Division as well as authors present, adding that this was indeed a representation of women's empowerment in the true sense. Dr. Varsha Das, former Director of National Gandhi Museum, Dr. Reeta Rani Paliwal, Secretary, Sasta Sahitya Mandal, Dr. Sadhana Rout, Director General, Publications Division and other senior officials of Publications Division were also present on the occasion.

The list of books released was as under:

Bapu ke ashirwaad - a compilation dedicated to the importance of thoughts and their possible impact in dealing with every-day life's tribulations. The USP of the book is that it contains original handwritten thoughts and messages of Mahatma Gandhi.

2500 years of Buddhism -it gives an inclusive account of Buddhism in the last 2500 years. Its Foreward was written by world-renowned philosopher and India's second President Dr. S. Radhakrishanan when it was first published in 1956. The present edition has been brought out with several illustrations after the inclusion of the book in the prestigious limited list of India publications which have been selected by Ministry of External Affairs for Indian Missions and libraries abroad under its 'Bharat ek Parichay' programme.

Portraits of Strength - it salutes bravery against odds. It is about the hitherto unheard, unsung women from far flung parts of India, whose contribution has been hailed by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in Mann ki Baat.

Hindi Swadesh Mein aur Videsh Mein -  is about the coming of age of Hindi language and its literature not just within the country but even beyond. The book is at once simple and lucid despite being a well-researched scholarly work.

Rang Birangi Kahaniya- a quintessential children's book.

Badal ki Sair - a collection of short stories written keeping the growing up child in mind. The stories are essayed in a manner to highlight the lucid story-telling style made popular by Munshi Premchand.

Aao Paryavaran Bachayen aur Dhra ko Swarg Bnayen - about saving the environment amidst  the cross-fire of development. A product of co-publishing arrangement with the Sasta Sahitya Mandal, the book deals with the hazards of defying nature.

The Division organised a discussion on 'Children's Literature and Young Readers Trapped in Electronic Gadgets' at the World Book Fair on January 10, 2019. The discussion highlighted the importance of books and their impact on children who in today's times are often found preoccupied in the world of modern day gadgets. A key point highlighted in the discussion was that while technology limits a child's imagination by presenting a fixed set of images, books magnify the child's imagination manifold by letting him build up the world he is reading about on his own. Publications Division also released ten books during the event - Saral Panchatantra Part I; Children's Vivekananda; Children's Mahabharat in English; Shekhawati ki Lok Sanskriti; Hamare Samay me Upanishad; Haar Ki Khushi; Maa Ka Janamdin; Bapu ki Vani; Ved Gatha; and Bal Mahabharat in Hindi. Saral Panchatantra Part I occupies pride of place in children's literature across the globe. Originally compiled in Sanskrit more than two millenniums ago, these inter-related fables teach the basic nuances of politics, governance along with everyday common sense. Children's Vivekananda is a biographical sketch of Swami Vivekananda, the spiritual ambassador of India, presented in an interesting and lucid manner. It covers, in brief, all important phases of his life.

Children's Mahabharata - The book tells the story of Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics of the world, written keeping children in mind. Bal Mahabharat presents the timeless tale for the young readers in Hindi.

Shekhawati ki Lok Sanskriti is a title that deals with Shekhawati - a semi-arid but historical region of Rajasthan. This land of industrious and hard-working people has contributed in a big way to the Rajputana culture. The book highlights this contribution.

Hamare Samay me Upanishad tells the story of Upanishads. The book is an attempt to initiate the readers - of any age group - into this ancient world of knowledge.

Haar Ki Khushi and Maa Ka Janamdin are children's books. While Maa Ka Janamdin is a collection of poems, Haar ki Khushi is a collection of short stories which have been written keeping the growing up child in mind. The stories are essayed in a manner to highlight the lucid story-telling style made popular by Munshi Premchand. 

Bapu ki Vaani tries to bring forth Gandhiji's life and thoughts for the young readers.

Ved Gaatha presents Vedas in a simplified format keeping young readers in mind. The book delves into the ancient world of knowledge and spirituality.

Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Dr. Sadhana Rout, Director General, Publications Division, several renowned authors and senior officials of Publications Division participated in the event.

-PIB