In an attempt to boost debate through literature, the Delhi government will help people set up Hindi language book clubs by offering them financial aid to buy books and providing space to hold meetings.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also holds the Art, Culture and Language Department portfolio, has asked the Hindi Academy to reach out to people interested in Hindi book clubs, an official in the Deputy CM’s office said on Tuesday.
Aimed at bringing the enlightening literary discussions from academic institutions into the public domain, the government also wishes to promote literary seminars, symposiums with enhanced local participation across the city, said the official. The government also wants to take culture to all parts of the city, not just the hubs that are in Lutyens’ Delhi, he added.
Groups of interested people will be able to ask the Hindi Academy for financial help to buy books as well as space for holding regular meetings to discuss the books.
The official said proposals would be invited by the academy for help in setting up the book clubs.
Regional languages
The official added that as there were many private book clubs started by literature enthusiasts, the government wanted to make reading and discussion more accessible to all.
Starting with Hindi, the government will set up similar clubs for other languages, including Punjabi, Urdu and Bhojpuri, said the official.
