Mumbai, Maharashtra, 17 June, 2024: Parag, an initiative of the Tata Trusts, has today been announced as a partner for the India chapter of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY).
The Parag initiative, since its inception in 2005, has been dedicated to fostering reading habits and promoting literature amongst children and young adults in India. IBBY, a non-governmental organization accredited by UNESCO, plays a key role as an advocate for children’s literature and supports a global network of members from 84 countries, aimed towards bringing books and children together. This partnership will build on Parag’s extensive network of key players and is uniquely positioned to transform the children’s literature landscape in India.
Siddharth Sharma, CEO, Tata Trusts, said, “At the Tata Trusts, we have continuously strived to transform and expand the scope of the children’s literature ecosystem in India through our unique initiative, Parag. Over the years, we have worked with unwavering commitment to strengthen and nurture key drivers of the literary landscape – from writers and illustrators to teachers and publishers. Our partnership with IBBY marks the latest step in our journey towards spurring access to quality storybooks for children and youth, reaffirming our promise to encourage children to embrace reading for joy.”
Carolina Ballester, Executive Director, International Board on Books for Young People, added, “The work developed by Parag is very much in line with the mission pursued by IBBY since its creation in 1953, both in terms of reading promotion projects and valorization of quality children’s books. Our recent partnership with Parag has already taken shape with the nomination of several Indian titles for the IBBY Collection of Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities. This collection travels to book fairs and to our sections around the world and is therefore one of the many ways to give visibility to Indian children’s books internationally. We look forward to IBBY India, Parag, becoming an important player in our community, which is deployed in 84 countries, as well as playing an important role in the Asia-Pacific regional network.”
This collaboration presents an exciting opportunity for authors and illustrators of Indian children’s literature, as winners of Parag’s Big Little Book Award may be nominated for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award. Books recognized on the Parag Honour List will be eligible for nomination to the IBBY Honour List. The Parag Initiative will unveil the Parag Honour List 2024 and the Big Little Book Award for children’s illustrators this month in New Delhi. Continuously engaging with stakeholders such as publishers, library networks, and academies, Parag remains committed to strengthening and amplifying efforts in collaboration with IBBY on an international scale.
Since its inception in 1892, Tata Trusts, India’s oldest philanthropic organisation, have played a pioneering role in bringing about an enduring difference in the lives of the communities it serves. Guided by the principles and the vision of proactive philanthropy of the Founder, Jamsetji Tata, the Trusts’ purpose is to catalyse development in the areas of health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation and hygiene, livelihood, digital transformation, migration and urban habitat, social justice and inclusion, environment and energy, skill development, sports and arts and culture. The Trusts’ programmes, achieved through direct implementation, partnerships and grant making, are marked by innovations relevant to the country.
The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting high-quality children's literature and ensuring that young readers everywhere have access to books. Established in 1953, IBBY brings together individuals and institutions from 84 countries committed to fostering international understanding through children's books. IBBY supports literacy and reading programs worldwide, honors outstanding children's books and authors through prestigious awards, and advocates for children's right to education and information. With a mission to bridge cultures and promote peace, IBBY plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of children's literature.
