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Publishing house with a mission

Bengaluru's Beacon of Knowledge: The Story of Navakarnataka Publications and Its Enduring Mission

In the bustling heart of Bengaluru, where tech giants and startups dominate the skyline, there exists a quieter revolution in the world of literature and education. Navakarnataka Publications, a venerable publishing house founded in 1960, stands as a testament to the power of words in fostering social change, cultural preservation, and intellectual growth. This institution, often overshadowed by the city's digital boom, has been on a mission to democratize knowledge, promote Kannada literature, and bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern aspirations. As we delve into its history, operations, and future vision, it becomes clear that Navakarnataka is not just a publisher—it's a cultural custodian with a profound societal impact.

The origins of Navakarnataka trace back to the post-independence era, a time when India was grappling with nation-building and linguistic identities. Established by a group of visionary intellectuals led by the late T.S. Venkannaiah, a prominent Kannada writer and educator, the publishing house was born out of a desire to make quality literature accessible to the masses. Venkannaiah, inspired by the freedom struggle and the works of Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore, envisioned a platform that would nurture regional languages while addressing contemporary issues. "Books are the weapons of the mind," he once famously said, echoing the sentiments that would define Navakarnataka's ethos.

From its modest beginnings in a small office in Malleswaram, the publishing house quickly expanded its repertoire. In the 1960s and 1970s, it focused on translating global classics into Kannada, bringing works like Shakespeare's plays, Tolstoy's novels, and scientific treatises by Einstein to local readers. This was no small feat in an era when English dominated higher education and literature. Navakarnataka's efforts played a crucial role in the Kannada Sahitya Parishat's movements, promoting linguistic pride and literacy. By the 1980s, it had ventured into original publications, supporting emerging Kannada authors and poets. Titles on history, philosophy, and social sciences became staples, often subsidized to keep prices affordable for students and rural audiences.

What sets Navakarnataka apart is its unwavering commitment to a social mission. Unlike commercial publishers driven by profit margins, this house operates with a non-profit mindset, reinvesting earnings into community programs. One of its flagship initiatives is the "Grameena Granthalaya" (Village Library) project, launched in 1995. Under this program, mobile libraries equipped with thousands of books travel to remote villages in Karnataka, conducting reading sessions, workshops, and literary festivals. "We've reached over 500 villages, impacting more than 100,000 lives," shares current director Dr. Lakshmi Narayana, a third-generation steward of the organization. These efforts have been particularly vital in empowering women and children, with specialized books on gender equality, health, and environmental awareness.

In recent years, Navakarnataka has adapted to the digital age without compromising its core values. The advent of e-books and online platforms posed both challenges and opportunities. In 2015, they launched their digital imprint, "Navakarnataka Digital," offering free or low-cost e-versions of classic Kannada texts. This move was pivotal during the COVID-19 pandemic, when physical access to books was restricted. "We saw a 300% surge in downloads during lockdowns," Dr. Narayana recalls. The house has also collaborated with tech firms in Bengaluru to develop apps that gamify learning Kannada, making it fun for younger generations who are increasingly drawn to English-medium education.

Beyond literature, Navakarnataka's mission extends to social activism. It has published extensively on pressing issues like caste discrimination, farmer suicides, and urban migration. A notable series, "Samajika Nyaya" (Social Justice), features essays and stories that critique systemic inequalities. In 2020, they released a groundbreaking book on the Dalit movement in Karnataka, authored by activist and writer Devanur Mahadeva. This publication sparked statewide discussions and even influenced policy debates in the Karnataka Assembly. "Our books are not just read; they inspire action," emphasizes editor-in-chief Sushma Rao, who has been with the house for over two decades.

The publishing process at Navakarnataka is a blend of tradition and innovation. Manuscripts are rigorously reviewed by a panel of scholars, ensuring academic rigor and cultural relevance. Printing is done in-house at their facility in Peenya Industrial Area, using eco-friendly paper sourced from sustainable forests—a nod to their environmental consciousness. Distribution networks span across Karnataka and neighboring states, with partnerships with schools, colleges, and NGOs. Financially, the house sustains through grants from cultural bodies like the Sahitya Akademi, donations from patrons, and sales revenue. Challenges abound, from rising paper costs to competition from multinational publishers, but resilience defines their journey.

Looking ahead, Navakarnataka is poised for expansion. Plans include establishing a dedicated research center in Bengaluru to study Kannada folklore and oral traditions, digitizing rare manuscripts, and launching international collaborations to translate Kannada works into global languages. "We aim to put Kannada literature on the world map," Dr. Narayana asserts. There's also a focus on inclusivity, with upcoming series on LGBTQ+ narratives and disability rights, reflecting the evolving social landscape.

The impact of Navakarnataka is perhaps best illustrated through personal stories. Take Ramesh, a farmer from Chitradurga district, who credits the village library program for his daughter's education. "She read books on science and now studies engineering in Bengaluru," he shares proudly. Or consider young author Priya, whose debut novel was published by Navakarnataka, giving voice to urban women's struggles. These anecdotes underscore how the publishing house weaves itself into the fabric of society.

In an era where information overload and fleeting digital content prevail, Navakarnataka reminds us of the enduring value of thoughtful publishing. It's a mission-driven entity that educates, empowers, and enlightens, proving that in the Silicon Valley of India, there's still room for the soulful pursuit of knowledge. As Bengaluru hurtles towards the future, institutions like this ensure that cultural roots remain firmly planted, nurturing generations to come.

Navakarnataka's story is one of quiet perseverance. Over six decades, it has published over 5,000 titles, touching millions of lives. Yet, its true measure isn't in numbers but in the transformations it catalyzes. From translating foreign masterpieces to championing local voices, from rural outreach to digital innovation, the house embodies a holistic approach to publishing. Critics might argue that in a profit-oriented world, such models are unsustainable, but Navakarnataka defies this by thriving on community support and intrinsic value.

One cannot overlook the role of its dedicated team. Editors, translators, and designers work tirelessly, often volunteering time to mentor aspiring writers. Annual events like the "Kannada Sahitya Sammelana" hosted by the house draw crowds, fostering a sense of literary community. Partnerships with universities have led to curricula incorporating their publications, ensuring that Kannada literature remains relevant in academia.

Environmental sustainability is another pillar. By using recycled materials and promoting e-books, Navakarnataka minimizes its carbon footprint. This aligns with their broader mission of holistic development, where literature serves as a tool for ecological awareness. Books on climate change and sustainable farming have been distributed free to agricultural communities, aiding in grassroots environmental movements.

Financially, the house navigates challenges through innovative fundraising. Crowdfunding campaigns for special editions and sponsorships from corporates under CSR initiatives keep the wheels turning. Despite economic pressures, they've never compromised on quality or accessibility, maintaining prices that are a fraction of market rates.

As we reflect on Navakarnataka's legacy, it's evident that its mission transcends mere publishing. It's about preserving heritage while propelling progress. In Bengaluru, a city synonymous with innovation, this publishing house innovates in its own way—through words that heal, educate, and unite. The future holds promise, with plans to expand into audiobooks and virtual reality experiences of Kannada epics, blending tradition with technology.

In conclusion, Navakarnataka Publications is more than a business; it's a movement. Its story inspires us to value the written word as a force for good, reminding us that in the quest for knowledge, the mission matters as much as the medium. As the sun sets on Bengaluru's vibrant streets, the lights in Navakarnataka's offices burn bright, scripting the next chapter in India's literary saga.

Read the Full The New Indian Express Article at:
[ https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2025/Jul/20/publishing-house-with-a-mission ]