AUTHORS GUILD OF INDIA

                                                 

On the concluding day of the World Book Fair (Feb 15 – 23,2014) in the Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, like in the past, the Authors Guild of India organized a three pronged programme. The inaugural team consisted of established Hindi literateurs like Dr Sherjung Garg, Dr Sarojini Preetam, Dr Kshama Sharma and Dr Shiv Shankar Awasthy. After the initial formalities , the first engagement was release of some newly published books of 5/6 writers. Some of them came from places out of Delhi which goes to tell the popularity of the Guild as a famed literary forum.

The second part of the programme was a seminar on the theme of “Bal Sahitya : Dasha Evam Disha” (Children’s Literature : Present Position and Future). The keynote address was delivered by Dr Kshama Sharma, editor, Nandan, a leading Hindi monthly for the children. From her experience she narrated how it was difficult to write for the tiny- tots. For that, the writer was required to go back to the memory lane of his own childhood. Dr Sharma recalled how while in the Hindustan daily, she came in contact with late Sh. Rajendra Awasthy, the founder editor of the Nandan, who persuaded her to write for children. With his blessings, she succeeded to be its editor in due course. Dr Sherjung referred to some legendary Hindi writers and recalled how they had given adequate focus to children as well. In this connection, he named Premchandra, Babu Harishchandra, Bachchan, Nirala etc. He recited some self composed lines for the said segment.  The other eminent Hindi scholars, who graced the occasion were S/Sh H.L. Bachhotia, Ram Prasad Gupta, Ram Pyare Tiwari, Dr Gangesh Gunjan, Bageshwar Jha, Dr Mani Bushan Mishra and Ashok Jyoti.

The third and last item was the ‘kavi gosthi’ with Dr Garg in the chair and Dr Preetam conducting. The programme ensued with the recitation of their Hindi poems by two Maithili poets namely Dr Gangesh Gunjan and Bageshwar Jha (Shridev of Maithili). The programme continued till evening in which about a dozen of other reputed poets recited their poems.The Authors guild of India deserves congratulations for maintaining this beautiful literary tradition. Well done SSA!