Empowering Futures: Kolkata’s Oldest Bookshop Transforms Student Lives with Essential Publishing Internships
In a notable response to the National Education Policy (NEP, 2020), which mandates internships for undergraduate degree seekers, Kolkata’s historic bookshop Dasgupta and Co. has pioneered an internship initiative in publishing. Established in 1886, this iconic bookstore on College Street is positioning itself as a vital training ground for aspiring professionals in the publishing and new-media sectors. The initiative, launched as the “Publishing and Book Management Course” a year ago, has garnered impressive interest, with 150 students from seven colleges enrolling this year alone.
Arabinda Das Gupta, managing director of Dasgupta and Co., expressed optimism about the program’s impact, particularly on students from English departments. “We have received a very good response this year. We hope young minds gain insights into the publishing industry and that this opportunity enhances their career prospects,” he noted.
Classes for the course are held over a 15-day period at the Asutosh Memorial Hall on Asutosh Mukherjee Road, with a nominal fee of ₹1,000 per student. Participating institutions this year include notable colleges such as Bethune College, Behala College, and Loreto College.
Educationist and writer Chinmoy Guha, a Professor Emeritus at the University of Calcutta and former Vice-Chancellor of Rabindra Bharati University, inaugurated this year’s internship program. He emphasized the timeless value of books, stating, "In the age of technological explosion, a book remains an eternal reservoir of ideas to which humanity will always be grateful." Guha urged students to embrace reading as an essential tool for navigating a complex world, echoing Flaubert’s sentiment about the necessity of books for survival amid adversity.
In addition to its educational initiatives, Dasgupta and Co. has also taken steps to support students with limited access to literature. Two years ago, the bookshop dedicated part of its space to creating a free library. Although the official opening has faced delays due to the building’s heritage status, Das Gupta mentioned that the library is now functioning unofficially, attracting approximately 20 readers daily.
Dasgupta and Co.’s commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of the publishing landscape is commendable, particularly in a time when traditional media faces challenges from digital alternatives. As more students enroll in programs like the Publishing and Book Management Course, the hope is that they will emerge equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.
With a legacy spanning over a century, Dasgupta and Co. not only continues to be a cornerstone of Kolkata’s literary culture but also embraces modern educational trends, ensuring that the next generation of publishers and writers is well-prepared to contribute to the literary heritage of India.
This initiative exemplifies how longstanding institutions can adapt and innovate in a dynamic educational landscape, ultimately bridging the gap between tradition and contemporary demands.
Published – May 27, 2025 05:00 am IST
Categories: Kolkata
Tags: Dasgupta and Co., publishing internships, Kolkata education, National Education Policy, free library, literary culture
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kolkata/with-internship-becoming-compulsory-in-colleges-kolkatas-oldest-bookshop-steps-in-to-train-students-in-publishing/article69621145.ece
Category : Kolkata
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Publish Date: 2025-05-27 05:00:00
