National workshop on developing graphic novels

National Book Trust, India, an apex body of the Ministry of Human Resource Development organised a National Workshop on Developing Graphic Novels Based on North-East Folk Traditions.

The workshop was inaugurated by A Sethumadhavan, noted author and chairman of NBT. In his inaugural address, he said, “Our focus on North-East is very clear. North-East is a treasure house of folktales. We want to communicate with North-East people effectively. We wish to take the graphic novels based on North-East to the outside world.” He added that, “This one day workshop is a pioneering step taken by NBT. It is a process of learning and unlearning. Though we belong to different areas, we want to recapture the spirit of storytelling.” He further added, “We brought out graphic novel Sri Ratna Kim Suro in Korea and was well received. This is a clear message that graphic novels have been accepted.”

The workshop was divided into three sessions viz. First Observations, moderated by Sanjoy Hazarika, director, Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research, Readings and Discussions on Selected Folk Tales, moderated by Dr K B VeioPou, asst. professor, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, University of Delhi and Artists’ Approach to the Stories Read and Discussed in the Context of Developing Graphic Novels, moderated by Suddhasattawa Basu, eminent illustrator.

Earlier, Dr MA Sikandar, director NBT, India welcomed the guests and appreciated the cooperation shown by the participants of the workshop. He said that, “Although NBT has been doing multiple activities for past many decades, we had long lasting urge to have such a workshop. We also plan to bring out a set of graphic novels for New Delhi World Book Fair 2015.”

Earlier, Soumitra Dasgupta, designer and filmmaker, gave a presentation on the making of a graphic novel. Kumar Vikram, editor, NBT gave a presentation on the project on behalf of NBT.