Little mag, big heart

The Ekushey book fair remains a perfect opportunity for the budding writers to showcase their talents and reach out to a larger audience.

But finding a publisher willing to publish works of an unknown writer can be quite challenging.

Many a times, publishers either find it risky to invest in a writer whose works are unknown to the readers or they feel that the quality of writing by most new writers is not up to the mark.

Amid the quandary, “little mags” [little magazines], often called “small magazines” offer the aspiring writers an opportunity to publish their works.

Like previous years, this year's Amar Ekhushey Granthamela has also dedicated a section, “Little Mag Corner”, at Bangla Academy.

A total of 136 such magazines have gathered at this year's book fair. Only a handful of those are published throughout the years.

Even though they are called little magazines, the writings cover a wide range of issues such as poetry, short stories, history and cultural diversities amid many more.

The magazines are adorned with writings of new writers. According to the publishers, many famous writers used to write in these magazines.

“I always visit the little mag corner,” said Shopon Kumar Biswas, a retired government officer. “These magazines are not just promoting new writers, readers also get a chance to enjoy works of various writers in one magazine. Also, the writers write about various issues, some of which are quite thought provoking.”

“I love to write. I wrote a poem, which is published in a little mag,” said Sanchari Sabiha, a student of Home Economics College. “It's a start. I want to keep on writing. I really appreciate these magazines for providing new writers with a platform...”

She proudly showed her poem published in a magazine, Abong Manush. The magazine is published every three months.

Another new writer, who writes under the pseudonym “Banga Rakhal” said, “Little mags help me connect with the readers.”

This year his poems have been published in different little magazines including Hostakkhar, Chinha and Dristi.

Not just getting a chance to publish their works, many of the writers see these magazines as a way to express their thoughts freely.

While writing in these magazines, they said writers do not have to follow the traditional style of writing such as emphasising on expressing ideas and relaying information, usually with a flair that is enjoyable for the readers.

 “Little mags are a platform to question the conventional ideas... It's a space where anyone can express themselves... Writers can choose to write anyway they prefer… they can experiment with their works…,” said Meer Robi, an aspiring writer.

His poem “Aquarium er Mohiruho Pran” has been published in Dristi magazine.

While talking to many little magazine publishers, they said the magazines help promote free thinking and new writers.

 “…We always welcome new ideas and thoughts…,” said Raghu Obhijit Roy of Khonon magazine.

Abong Manus publisher Anwar Kamal said, “We assess the creative works of new writers and publish those free of cost.”

Publisher of Drostobbo, Kamrul Huda Pathik, said, “Although we have a specific group of readers like students and young people, the number of readers is increasing.”

Yesterday, around 221 new books hit the fair.

GRAPHIC NOVEL 'MUJIB-4' UNVEILED

The fourth part of a graphic novel series on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was launched yesterday at the Ekushey book fair. The Centre for Research and Information (CRI) published the graphic novel, “Mujib-4”, and organised the launching ceremony on the Bangla Academy premises in the morning.

Radwan Mujib Siddiq, CRI trustee and publisher of the book, unveiled it. Nasrul Hamid Bipu, state minister for power, energy and mineral resources, Tarana Halim, state minister for information, and Junaid Ahmed Palak, state minister for ICT, were also present.

4 POETRY BOOKS BY AUGUSTINE CRUZE

Four poetry books by Augustine Cruze, principal of Saint Jude's International School in Dhaka, were launched yesterday on the occasion of the Ekushey book fair.

Noted singer Khilkhil Kazi, granddaughter of Kazi Nazrul Islam, unveiled the books at a ceremony at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro office. The books are “Emon Jodi Hoto”, “Tobe Tai Hok”, “Bidhatar Ichchhe” and “Amar Janmo Hoyeche Bolei”, published by Gyankosh Publishers.