“NEP will open up a new reading community in mother tongue”

Aruna Publications was started in Chennai in 2006 by C. Jayakumar, who had fifteen years of experience in publishing. “We are proud to say that we have published more than 550 titles (mostly Tamil language) in various fields,” he shared.

Pros of being a regional language publisher…

“As a regional language publisher, we have worldwide market where Tamil people are living. But it is a limited circle. However, we don’t feel any setbacks,” he said.

Current state of Indian language publishing in India…

“Current situation is not good due to Covid-19. Otherwise, sales were good in past years. People like reading books. However, there is no support from the government and institutions are asking for more discounts despite of poor payment cycles,” he said.

On improving the situation…

“After the pandemic period is over, exhibitions will be held in in various places which can help improve sales. Besides, Government should come forward to release more budget to libraries for procurement of books,” he said.

On New Education Policy…

“With the New Education Policy, there will be a thrust on teaching in mother tongue in early school, we think that educational institutions will be buying more language books. If students are reading in mother tongue, in future, we will get more readers,” he shared.

On technology…

Language publishers are now getting noticed due to online sales and ebooks, to which Jayakumar shared, “Online sales are very useful nowadays to reach the customers.”

Scope of language publishing…

“Reading in mother tongue is more creative and knowledgeable. In future we will get a good reading community,” concludes Jayakumar.