Gulzar: Need more regional literature for children

THANE: Acclaimed lyricist and writer Gulzar expressed his desire to see more literature for children being written in regional languages. He rued the fact that sparing Bengali, Marathi and Malyalam, not much was being contributed for children’s literature in the country.
Speaking at an event in the city to unveil the Marathi version of a children’s book written by him titled ‘Boski chya goshti,’ Gulzar said how writers in just three languages including Bengali, Marathi and Malyalam contributed to the literary work for children.While interacting with the generation-X present for the event, he stressed that students must not lose their touch with books irrespective of the advent of technology.
Nearly 350 students from various schools from Thane were present to listen to the writer read out excerpts from his book. Gulzar also read out some poems penned by him for students at the event much to the delight of the audience.
The programme was coordinated by Granthali on the occasion of completion of its 40 years of existence. A set of books was distributed to civic and private schools from the city.
Noted ENT specialist Dr Pradeep Uppal from Thane, who introduced cochlear implants to the city was feted at the event along with actor Amrita Subhash and director Sandesh Kulkarni.