GUWAHATI, June 25 � Participating in a literary contest is very important for a writer as it provides an opportunity to establish themselves and reach out to many readers.
This was the observation of author Arup Kumar Dutta while sharing his views on children literature and challenges before writers of children literature at a function organized by the Children�s Literary Trust, Assam on Wednesday at the Guwahati Press Club here.
The Trust released 13 new publications at the function and felicitated the writers who won prizes in its state level script writing contest. The theme that was selected for the script writing contest this time was on adventurous expedition. Five winners were presented certificates and cash prizes. It needs to be mentioned here that the Trust received around 40 entries for the contest.
The first prize (Rs 7000) was won by Krishna Kanta Das for Daini Hatyar Pom Khedi, the second prize (Rs 6000) was won by Bharat Rajkhowa for Habel, the third, fourth and fifth prize (Rs 5000 each) went to Smritirekha Devi for Prafullita Satadal, Nihar Choudhury for Baghe Sinyonra Pahar and Ananta Kumar Sarma for Andhakarar Seshat respectively.
Dutta extending his greetings to the winners said that a literary contest is a stepping stone for a writer to come into the limelight as well as a platform for new talents to showcase their creativity. Observing on the children literary scenario in the state, Dutta said that not too many publishing houses were keen to bring out books for children because it is a costly affair and prices have to be kept reasonable. �The state government too has not done enough to promote children literature. It is high time the government took up some concrete measures like giving subsidy and financial assistance for publishing children literature,� said Dutta.
Speaking on the occasion, Gagan Chandra Adhikari pointed out to the challenges faced by writers penning in regional language and said that the government should take children literature in earnestness and do the needful to promote it.
