Jaipur, February 09, 2022.
Parag Initiative of Tata Trusts today announced the 3rd edition of the
Parag Honour List for the year 2022. This robust list features a wide range of
original writings across categories like picture books, chapter books, and
young adult books. With a focus on curating a comprehensive collection of
remarkable literature in English and in Hindi, the list aims to promote access
to good quality children’s literature that librarians, teachers, parents and
children can refer to and read.
The Parag Initiative of Tata Trusts believes
in the transformative power of reading for pleasure and works to ensure that
children across India can appreciate and enjoy reading in diverse regional
languages. The work of Parag spans over sourcing, publishing, disseminating and
promoting good quality children's literature in India. Over the years, Parag
has catalysed the children's literature ecosystem towards encouraging joyful
reading. This year, Parag received books from 23 Indian publishers, published
between October, 2020 to September, 2021 with over 200 entries, 38 of which
were in English and 9 books Hindi across genres we selected.
Amrita Patwardhan, Head of Education at Tata Trusts, shared her views on the initiative, she said, “With the number of books being published for children on the rise, it is important to help readers including librarians and parents with recommendations of good books. The Parag Honour List is a first of its kind effort in India, of an annual independently curated list of noteworthy books published in Hindi and English across genre and age-groups. An Independent jury with a deep understanding of children’s literature reviews a number of entries and curates PHL.”
As part of the criteria for creating the Parag Honour List, all leading publishers of children’s books are requested to submit their select titles for review. In turn the books are reviewed by a panel of eminent educationists and bibliophiles, with the very best finding their way to the Parag Honour List.
The jury for the English language category comprised of Anita
Balasubramanian, co-founder of The Learning Network, Jeeva Raghunath, Author
and Storyteller; and ManjiriNimbkar, Author, Illustrator and Medical Doctor
Speaking on the book list Manjiri said, “This effort by Parag to curate the best
books through a rigorous exploration is a truly laudable undertaking. The books
in this list handle diverse topics and are beautifully crafted. Some are funny
and entertaining while others handle delicate issues very sensitively while
still others introduce the reader to the life's work of contemporary
heroes."
Esteemed members of the jury in the Hindi language category were Arun
Kamal, Poet and Essayist, Gurbachan Singh, Executive Editor of Azim Premji
University’s -PaathshaalaBhitar Aur Bahar and Prachi Kalra, Associate Professor, Gargi College, Delhi University
Prachi Kalra added, “The Parag Honour List is about the pleasure of binge reading! Just drown yourself in the best books.