The National Book Trust, India's (NBT) first-of-its-kind workshop to develop books for neoliterates in Hindi involving Hindi authors of Arunachal Pradesh was inaugurated today at the Department of Distance Education at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Doimukh, Itanagar, by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Jayadev Sahoo and Chief Editor and Joint Director of National Book Trust, India, Kumar Vikram.
The first-of-its-kind workshop is being organized from November 12 to 14, 2025 through a collaboration between RGU's Hindi Department and National Book Trust, India. During the inauguration, Kumar Vikram welcomed the attending scholars and writers by presenting them with books and shawls, in keeping with NBT tradition. The workshop was conducted by the Workshop Coordinator, Dr Lalit Kishore Mandora, Hindi Editor, NBT, India.
Addressing the participants, Professor Jayadev Sahoo commended the initiative and noted that writers and poets from Arunachal Pradesh are doing remarkable work in the field of Hindi literature. He appreciated NBT, India’s efforts in recognising and encouraging their contributions and expressed confidence that the workshop would help foster a stronger culture of reading and learning among neo-literates.
Speaking on the role and objective of the workshop, Kumar Vikram, Chief Editor and Joint Director, NBT, India stated, “ ”We have not come here to teach you, but to learn from you. The objective of this workshop is to embrace new ideas and perspectives. NBT has launched a nationwide campaign for neo-literates, under which such workshops are being organised across India.
Our aim is to ensure that accessible and engaging reading material continues to reach neo-literate readers, helping them sustain their literacy skills and preventing any relapse into illiteracy. In these workshops, stories are developed in simple language, integrating themes such as environmental awareness, gender equality and essential life skills.”
He added that Hindi writers from Arunachal Pradesh are adding new dimensions to Hindi literature which will further enrich the Hindi language and literature. Professor Joram Yalam Nabam, Head of the Hindi Department at Rajiv Gandhi University, expressed gratitude to NBT, India for organising the event in collaboration with the Hindi Department, calling it a golden opportunity for local Hindi writers to learn.
Professor Oken Lego, Senior Professor in the Hindi Department, remarked that there is no dearth of talent in Arunachal Pradesh and it only needs to be refined. He expressed confidence that the learnings from the first-of-its-kind workshop by NBT, India will reach readers across the state and undoubtedly enrich Hindi literature.
Girish Pankaj, senior writer and expert, lauded NBT, India for its extensive work for neo-literates, noting that the organisation has published several acclaimed books that have received international recognition and has consistently nurtured and promoted literary talent since its inception. He added that the three-day workshop will focus on identifying issues and challenges faced in rural life as perceived by writers and on transforming these observations into compelling stories.
The writers participating in the workshop include Professor Oken Lego, Professor Joram Yalam Nabam, Dr Jamuna Bini, Dr Taro Sindik, Ms. Gumpi Duso Lombi, Dr Ayinam Ering, Dorji Lonpu, Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi, Ms. Nomi Maga Gumro, Dr Tumbam Riba, Dr Teli Mecha, Ms. Misung Mado, Wanggo Socia, Ringu Elpra and Ms. Jumnu Kamdak.
