National Book Trust of India to Introduce 'Corona Studies Series'

The National Book Trust of India has decided to contribute its bit to the present COVID-19 crisis and is all set to launch a series entitled ‘Corona Studies Series’. The decision comes in the wake of realisation of the extraordinary social, economic, psychological and cultural challenges and significance of COVID-19 Pandemic on the human society in near future. NBT is the national book publishing and book promotion operating under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.

The publishing series will be suitable for readers of all age groups and will document and provide relevant reading materials sufficing the post-Corona relationship needs. Prof Govind Prasad Sharma, Chairman, National Book Trust, India was quoted saying that considering the significance of the national crisis the institution has taken the initiative within its domain to provide support in the form of new reading materials. Sharma said that the national institution sees to make a long-term contribution with the 'Corona Studies Series', a series of affordable books that will prepare and engage readers with various aspects of the Corona times. The books will be available in several Indian languages in identified subject areas and will also provide a suitable platform to researchers and authors willing to contribute to the same added Sharma.

Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust said that the situation related to COVID-19 development in the country is being closely monitored by the Trust. And, after taking cues from the multi-dimensional initiatives by MHRD to meet the challenges of the pandemic, he believes that the reading body has a significant role to play. The Trust’s #StayHomeIndiaWithBooks initiative by releasing PDFs of some of its select and bestselling titles for free downloads has garnered a tremendous response said malik and taking this comprehensive view into account the National Body is moving towards publishing this series.

To begin with, NBT has formed a Study Group consisting of some experienced and young psychologists/counsellors to prepare books on the sub-series on 'Psycho-Social Impact of Corona Pandemic and the Ways to Cope'. Kumar Vikram, Senior Editor of National Book Trust, and leading the project said that besides the sub series, certain children’s books, story and picture books related to various aspects of the Coronavirus pandemic to create awareness will also be developed. He added that in the project’s pipeline are books focused on folklore, art, literature, science/health , economic and sociological aspects, awareness emerging out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lockdown.