Bangalore, December 10, 2024: Room to Read India, in collaboration with the Epsilon Foundation and the Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of Karnataka, hosted an event, ‘Celebrating milestones in Kannada children’s literature and promoting a reading culture,’ to mark the achievements of the transformative project aimed at fostering a culture of reading among children in Karnataka. The event brought together senior government officials (from district, block and state levels) including Hon’ble Principal Secretary, Department of Education. Other key attendees included 13 teacher-authors, educationists, renowned Kannada authors and illustrators, knowledge partners (education-focused NGOs), and corporates supporting education. Mr. Ritesh Kumar Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Karnataka, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
In October 2023, the initiative supported by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of Karnataka (DoSEL, GoK), was launched to address the need for contextualized children’s literature and equipping educators to use these resources effectively. A key milestone was the creation of 15 Kannada storybooks authored by government school teachers, integrating math, science, and environmental themes into relatable narratives. These books were unveiled at the event, where 13 teacher-authors were also felicitated. At the event Kannada online course, “Child-Friendly Libraries,” empowering educators to establish vibrant libraries in over 40,000 schools was also launched. The course aligns with the government’s “Oduva Abhhyasa Gyanada Vikasa” program, and DIET Ballari was honored for its pivotal role in its development and piloting.
Emphasizing the importance of reading culture, Ms. Poornima Garg, Country Director of Room to Read India said, “Promoting literacy goes beyond just teaching children to read—it’s about creating an ecosystem where literature reflects the culture and aspirations of the community. For over two decades, Room to Read has been at the forefront of building quality learning environments that empower children to engage with their teachers, families, and communities. By prioritizing local children literature, we are not only enhancing literacy skills but also fostering a deep connection to the world around them. Through partnerships with state governments, we continue to create effective, sustainable solutions for early learning, ensuring that children across Karnataka, and beyond, have access to the resources they need to thrive.”
Mr. Ritesh Kumar Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of Karnataka said, “Children’s literature is a profound tool for instilling a sense of pride in one’s heritage and language. This initiative not only fosters young readers but also bridges the gap between cultural identity and classroom learning. By promoting local literature, students will be empowered to connect deeply with their roots while enhancing their educational experience. I congratulate Room to Read India and Epsilon Foundation for their remarkable work and look forward to seeing this project inspire similar efforts statewide.”
Mr. Vikram Handa, Director, Epsilon Foundation said, “EPSILON Foundation is deeply committed to creating sustainable impacts through quality education. The project showcases the power of localized children’s literature in shaping foundational literacy. By empowering teachers to become authors and leveraging innovative resources like child-friendly library courses, we are building a strong ecosystem to nurture young readers at a young age. We are proud to partner with Room to Read and the Department of School Education and Literacy in this transformative journey.
The event featured panel discussions with leading educationists, authors, and government officials from the state on advancing the role of children’s literature in holistic education. Participants deliberated on strategies to enhance accessibility to quality literature and integrate it into classroom interactions to foster critical thinking, empathy, and creativity among children. This initiative, spearheaded by Room to Read India and Epsilon Foundation, has laid a strong foundation for enriching Kannada children’s literature and nurturing a lifelong culture of reading among young learners.