Sharma said the 60 years programmes will be launched by Central human resource minister Prakash Javadekar by inaugurating a two-day National Seminar, titled, ‘Bhartiya Sahitya Mein Rashtriyata Ka Bodh’ (Nationalism in Indian Literature) scheduled from 1 to 2 August 2017 at India International Centre, New Delhi.

To bring more and more people of rural areas closer to books, NBT will be organising National Panchayat Book Fairs by involving Panchayti Raj institutions, added Sharma. He said NBT is planning to organise such book fairs in the states of Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in the first leg.

He said NBT publishes books in more than 30 Indian languages, including minor languages like Kokborok, Bhili, Bhatri and Nepali, among others. It is also now working towards the promotion and publication of books in Sanskrit language and will organise National Sanskrit Book Fair where publishers will showcase books in Sanskrit as well as on Sanskrit in other languages.

In order to encourage young women writers below forty years, NBT has launched Mahila Lekhan Protsahan Yojna, under which NBT would publish original and unpublished works of young writers.

Besides, NBT has added several new series in its publishing profile including Women Pioneers series, Veergatha series and Navalekhanmala. NBT will also conduct book publishing courses for girl students under skill development programme.

In view of the increasing demand for digital content, the trust will organise digital publishing workshops in association with C-DAC and major IT companies like Microsoft for Indian language authors, publishers and other publishing professionals.

Sharma added that NBT has so far brought out 150 eBooks and now readers can buy NBT books online through its website.

The Trust puts special thrust upon reading habit amongst children and children’s content. NBT, through its dedicated wing for children’s literature, NCCL, will be organising a number of programmes for children, including festival of reading for kids and young adults in October. NBT will also be publishing illustrated books for children focusing on Swatchh Bharat.

Sharma also talked about NBT’s proposal to conduct a survey through premier research organisation, NCAER, on Business of Book Fairs, how they contribute in readership development and employment opportunities. He also informed about NBT’s collaboration with National Institute of Design for enhancing visual appeal of its publications and exhibitions; Braille books for readers with special needs; NBT’s collaboration with Indian Public Library Movement to carry out book promotion activities; and its scheme ‘Har Haath Ek Kitaab’ for donating books for poor children.

In her address, Dr Rita Chowdhury, director, NBT said in these 60 years NBT has contributed to the society. “With the times, we are adapting with changes and trying to explore innovative ideas to inculcate reading habit and to create a knowledgeable society,” she said.