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.[1] 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.
বিশ্ব সাহিত্য কেন্দ্র | |
 Seal of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro | |
| Abbreviation | BSK |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1978[1] |
| Type | Registered public welfare trust |
| Location |
|
Official language | Bengali |
Key people | Abdullah Abu Sayeed |
| Website | bskbd.org |
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Activity
editBishwo 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
edit- 2008 UNESCO Jan Amos Comenius Medal.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b Quayes, Mohammed Mijarul (2012). "Bishwo Shahitto Kendro". In Islam, Sirajul; Jamal, Ahmed A. (eds.). Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Second ed.). Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. Archived from the original on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
- ^ "Unesco award for Bishwo Shahitto Kendro". The Daily Star. 27 September 2008. Archived from the original on 1 December 2016. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
External links
edit
- Official website
- Shahitto Kendro Bishwo Shahitto Kendro at Banglapedia
- 2005 CNN interview with the founder of Bishwa Sahitya Kendra
- Md Shahnawaz Khan Chandan (7 February 2019). "On the road to enlightenment". The Daily Star.
