Journey of Jan Vachan

A small survey of available literature showed that though there was no paucity of different kinds of books in different Indian languages, there were very few quality books written in simple language for the benefit of the new readers. Much of the “standard” neo-literate material prepared by different agencies was very pedantic and sermonizing in nature. There was very little of title diversity. More over, very few eminent writers were writing books and other material for the new readers (in other words the majority of Indians!) of India.

A series of discussion and workshop were organized with eminent writers in Hindi and other languages. All of them heartily welcomed the ides and fully supported us in this venture. In fact many eminent writers in languages like Tamil gave us permission to adapt their books for the use of the neo-literates and new readers.

During the early stage of the JVA programme, we also organized visits of writers to the villages where they were able to expose themselves to the living conditions as well as reading needs of the new readers. Many writers found this to be a very useful exercise.

During the first stage we were able to bring out around 100 titles in the Jan Vachan series. This series was edited by eminent writers “Sh.Vishnu Nagar and Sh. Azad Zaidi”. A good number of these titles were very successful and some of the titles have been reprinted many times. A number of village libraries and continuing education centers are using these titles even now.

Later, we also launched another book series called “Bal Jan Vachan” series with the objective of providing interesting reading material to the children who cannot afford costly childre’s books available in the urban areas. Around 100 books have already been published in this series which was edited by the eminent children’s science writers “Sh. Arvind Gupta”.

During past decade and a half since we initiated the Jan Vachan books, many more neo-literates have emerged in our villages and towns. Large number of rural libraries and continuing education centers has been initiated by governmental and non – governmental agencies. Accordingly the demand for quality reading material meant for the new readers has also increased considerably. However not many new agencies have come into this area.

It is in this context that the BGVS has decided to launch a “Nav Jan Vachan programme” with an objective of publishing at least 500 new titles, primarily meant for new readers of India. We intend to publish around 200 titles in Hindi and at least 25 titles each in all other major Indian languages within a period of one year. Titles published in each language can be subsequently translated into other languages if needed.

We can go for original titles, translations, adaptations and so on. Just to start off the discussions here are some suggestions.

1. Each Nav Jan Vachan titles will be generally 48-64 pages written in simple language so that neo-literates and new readers will be able to fully comprehend it. However in exceptional cases we can also try some bigger books. (Simplicity of language however need not mean simplicity of themes or treatment because the books are meant for people with a whole lot of life experience.) 2. Our experience shows that a good book written for the benefit of the new readers actually captures the attention of all sections of people, including well educated ones.

Here are some ideas regarding themes just to give some idea of the range of subjects.

1. Folk tales from different regions of India and abroad 2. Adaptation of work by all important novelist/story tellers of India. Eg: Rabindranath, Premchand, Bankimchandra, Jayakanthan, Takazi, Khandekar and so on and so on (All significant Indian writing to be made available to the new readers). 3. Books on all important festivals of different parts of India (Diwali, Bihu, Holi, Pongal, Baishakhi, onam and so on). 4. Books on environment and problems and struggles related to it. 5. Fundamental science series. 6. Life stories of eminent people all over the world. 7. Books on important places in India 8. Books on important rivers, mountains 9. Books related to agriculture, crops etc. 10. Books on important social movements of relevance. 11. Books on significant local struggles which have had larger impact 12. Books on skills, skill development. 13. Books on legal issues, rights, law etc. 14. Life stories of ordinary people (A Punjabi farmer, a coir worker, a construction labourer from Bihar etc.) 15. Stories of path breaking adventures. 16. Music, musicians, art form, culture 17. Health topics. 18. Travel guides for the ordinary people 19. History topics 20. Explaining current issues and problems (Poverty, globalization, consumerism, etc) 21. Story of famous films 22. Sports and games. 23. Cookery books for the new readers. 24. A simple books on each of the Indian States (Humara Bihar, Hamara Assam, etc)

These are only some indicative ideas. We can go really wilder and wider!

We are also keen to develop a major movement for creating a culture of reading among neo-literates. A number of programmes like village book festivals, book yatras, exhibitions, organization of village library networks, establishment of village schools libraries and so on are being planned with the help of the states units of BGVS and other friendly groups. Your creative suggestions in this regards are most welcome.