NBT to mark 50th birthday with release of 52 books

New Delhi, Jul 31 (UNI) The National Book Trust will mark its 50th Foundation day tomorrow with the release of eight anthologies of short stories, poetry and drama at a function here.

The anthologies, edited by the eminent literatteurs and critics, will showcase literary achievements and trends in these genres and languages since Independence, said NBT Chairman Mr Bipin Chandra at a press conference here.

While the stories and poetry have been written in 22 languages and plays in eight languages, he said.

Announcing the details of the anniversary celebrations, Mr Chandra said the NBT has plans to organise series of seminars, reading sessions and book fairs across the country during the year.

To begin with, a two-day seminar will be held here from tomorrow which will focus on issues concerning the publishing industry. It will be inaugurated by Jnanpith Award winning writer Mahashweta Devi. The sessions will discuss such issues as tapping the rural market, new trends in Indian publishing in terms of outsourcing business e-journals and e-marketing.

''India has 20 crore young people. The challenge is to provide literature to the youngsters that they would be interested in. The popularity of Harry Porter holds out hope that the youth is still into books,'' he said.

He said the NBT was carrying out a survey to find out what the youth would like to read about. ''This will help us in planning for the future,'' he added.

The Trust, in its role as a facilitator for the publishing fraternity, will organise a major conference for Science publishers by inviting the best globally to give a push and exposure to science publishing in the country. ''It is one area where focus on India will benefit the future of publishing in the country,'' he stressed.

UNI