Samiksha Jaiswal (Editor)

Bishwo Shahitto Kendro

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Official language
  
Bengali

Website
  
Bishwo Shahitto Kendro

Key people
  
Abdullah Abu Sayeed

Founder
  
Abdullah Abu Sayeed

Bishwo Shahitto Kendro httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommonsthu

Formation
  
1978; 39 years ago (1978)

Type
  
Registered public welfare trust

Location
  
14 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Dhaka

Motto
  
We want enlightened humans (আলোকিত মানুষ চাই, "Alokito manush chai")

Nominations
  
Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award

Bishwo shahitto kendro 35th birthdday 14 03 14


Bishwo Shahitto Kendro (BSK) (Bengali: বিশ্ব সাহিত্য কেন্দ্র, meaning 'World-Literature Centre'), is a non-profit institution in Bangladesh to promote reading habits, enlightenment and progressive ideas among students and general public. Popularly known as just Bhrammaman Library (mobile library), this institution was established by famous writer, television presenter, organiser, and activist Abdullah Abu Sayeed. Sayeed was given the 97th Ramon Magsaysay Award in Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts for "... cultivating in the youth of Bangladesh a love for literature and its humanizing values through exposure to the great books of Bengal and the world" – which was a recognition of the contribution of the library.

Contents

Bishwo Shahitto Kendro offers classes on world literature for Higher Secondary students, and also provides every book for those classes. For Secondary and Junior school level it operates a nationwide reading program, and provides books for the students. In 2007, it had 500 schools under this program, and over 100000 active student members.

Besides these programs, Bishwo Shahitto Kendro actively maintains libraries across the nation. It pioneered the concept of mobile library in Bangladesh, which carries books around the country. Since books are expensive and libraries are not available at all – these mobile libraries are getting very popular. Bishwo Shahitto Kendro also arranges reader's forum and discussions, which are open to everyone who is interested. These events are open to new thoughts and encourages thoughtful logical discussions. Through these endeavours Bishwo Shahitto Kendro is continuing its works with a motto that says – "We want enlightened humans".

Bishwo Shahitto Kendro activities are mostly based in Bangladesh. It also has an office in New York.

Awards

  • 2008 UNESCO Jan Amos Comenius Medal.
  • References

    Bishwo Shahitto Kendro Wikipedia