Book on Gandhiji Released by Publication Division at Delhi Book Fair
The book Ek mahatma Ka Abhyudaya, the Hindi translation of renowned author and historian late J.N. Uppal’s original English book Gandhi Ordained in South Africa published by Publications Division, Government of India, was released here today. The book was released by the Chief Guest Dr. Suresh Sharma, a scholar and senior fellow, Centre for Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) at a special function in the ongoing 16th Delhi Book Fair at Pragati Maidan. This Hindi translation of Shri Uppal’s original English book has been done by Shri Devendra Kumar another well known face in the literary world.
Ms. Manimala, Director, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti and Smt. Sarla Uppal, wife of Late J.N. Uppal were also present as the Guests of Honour on the occasion. Earlier, Smt. Arvind Manjit Singh, Additional Director General (in-charge), Publications Division welcomed the guests and other dignitaries and book lovers. She told the gathering that Publications Division is a repository of Gandhian literature with several books to its credit on Gandhiji including the 100 volume Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi in English as well as in Hindi. She told that the Division is planning to bring out the digital version of these 100 volumes is association with Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad.
The book Ek mahatma Ka Abhyudaya highlights the less talked about efforts of Gandhiji to fight racial discrimination faced by the non-whites in South Africa at that time. An ordinary young Indian of the late 19th century Mohandas, aspiring to lead a more comfortable life moves to South Africa, witnesses apartheid and discrimination. In his experiment with truth and non-violence as the unique tools, he unites the oppressed and fights the injustice. His unparallel way of moulding the mindsets of not only the oppressed but also the rulers paves the way to his becoming the Mahatma.
Other than these two books, The Division has brought out over 8000 titles so far keeping in mind the common reader. The Division also publishes magazines Balbharati for children, Kurukshetra on rural development, Yojana, the developmental monthly and Employment News for unemployed youth.
CP/JN