Recognising children's literature

Most writers consider it hard to write for children. Many of them even do not venture in this arena for fear of being 'labelled' as children's writers. In their view, children's literature is 'light veined' and does not have the potential of being serious literary work. Again, when it comes to the publishers, business is their first priority: Books for children often turn out expensive which is a major hurdle for good sales, they reason. Moreover, there is little patronage in this sector.

These were the sentiments of the speakers at the award giving ceremony of Uro Shishu Shahitya Puroshkar (Uro Children's Literature Award) 2004.

The event took place at the VIP Lounge of the National Press Club on May 13. Organised by Bangladesh Shishu Shahitya Shangstha (Bangladesh Children's Literature Association), this year's awards were handed to three very popular writers of the country--Muhammad Zafar Iqbal for his novel Doshshi Kojon (Adventurous Few), Ali Imam for his educational book Manob Shobbhotar Itihashey (In the History of Human Civilistation), and Imdadul Haque Milon for his collection of stories Chhotoder Unish Rokom Galpo (19 Kinds of Stories for Children).

Director of Bangla Academy, Dr Monsur Musa, litterateur Selina Hossain, and proprietor of Somoy Prokashan, Farid Ahmed spoke on the occasion.

Farid Ahmed pointed out some major problems he has faced as a publisher of children's books. 'Firstly, most of the books, which are considered as children's literature, are actually suitable for the adolescents, not exactly children,' he said. Another major difficulty in publishing children's books is using colourful illustration. 'Illustrations, which writers often demand, always increase the production cost and the price of the books,' he said.

Bangladesh Children's Literature Association (BCLA) gives the award annually to the authors of three best books for children published during the Ekushey Book Fair. Sponsored by Globe Soft Drinks Ltd.'s product Uro Cola, the award comprises a certificate, a crest and an amount of Taka 10, 000. Launched last year, the first recipients of the award were renowned litterateurs Humayun Ahmed, Rabeya Khatun and Selina Hossain.

Imdadul Haque Milon
My career as a writer began with a story for children. The name of the story was Bondhu. I have also edited a children's page in a newspaper.

Regarding the crisis in children's books, I wish to point out that the publishers, too, are not always interested in publishing children's books. Both writers and publishers should come forward in this regard. I also urge the government to sanction a subsidy on children's books.

Muhammad Zafar Iqbal
I feel proud that I have been awarded an honour that was given to three eminent litterateurs--Humayun Ahmed, Selina Hossain and Rabeya Khatun--last year. Children's literature is an important area. However, it is a very neglected sector. I remember that our childhood was colourful and fanciful with the books of Deb Shahitya Kutir and other publishing houses. But today children's books are few. Many writers do not write for the young because they fear they would be labelled as 'children's writers'.

I also want to point that the illustrators also have a share in the popularity of books since young minds are always attracted to the colourful pictures. In my Doshshi Kojon, for which I have been given this award today, Sheikh Afzal did the illustrations. I want to share this honour with him.

Ali Imam
I can visualise myself as a boy, weak from asthma and other physical hazards, who was growing up in the mofussil environment of Brahmanbaria. I could not participate in sports like others of my age. It was at that time when I suddenly discovered the children's magazine Shuktara. This magazine changed my world. It took me to places unknown; it gave me the taste of adventure. Ghona da [a character created by writer Premendra Mitra] waved at me and I used to go out with him and discover the mysteries of places like Amazon jungles. 'Don't kill animals', 'Plant trees alongside roads'--I used to read the teachings of King Ashok who preached these sayings 3,000 years ago. And the emotions of love and sympathy for everything in this universe grew in me. Books have made me and my generation into human beings. This emotional aspect is missing in today's children. They are much smarter, no doubt. But if we want our children to grow as human beings, there are no alternatives to books.