Bishwo Shahitto Kendro (BSK) (, meaning 'World-Literature Centre'), is a non-profit institution in Bangladesh to promote reading habits, enlightenment and progressive ideas among students and general public.
Popularly known as just Bhrammaman Library (mobile library), this institution was established by famous writer, television presenter, organiser, and activist
Abdullah Abu Sayeed
Abdullah Abu Sayeed (born 25 July 1940) is a Bangladeshi educator, writer, television presenter, and activist. He is the founder and chairman of Bishwa Sahitya Kendra, a non-profit organization that promotes the study of literature, reading ha ...
. Sayeed was given the 97th
Ramon Magsaysay Award
The Ramon Magsaysay Award (Filipino language, Filipino: ''Gawad Ramon Magsaysay'') is an annual award established to perpetuate former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay's example of integrity in governance, courageous service to the people, ...
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.
Activity
Bishwo 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
A bookmobile, or mobile library, is a vehicle designed for use as a library. They have been known by many names throughout history, including traveling library, library wagon, book wagon, book truck, library-on-wheels, and book auto service. Boo ...
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
* 2008
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO ) is a List of specialized agencies of the United Nations, specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) with the aim of promoting world peace and International secur ...
Jan Amos Comenius
John Amos Comenius (; ; ; ; Latinized: ''Ioannes Amos Comenius''; 28 March 1592 – 15 November 1670) was a Czech philosopher, pedagogue and theologian who is considered the father of modern education. He served as the last bishop of the Unit ...
Medal.
References
External links
*
*
2005 CNN interview with the founder of Bishwa Sahitya Kendra*
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Cultural organisations based in Bangladesh
Educational organisations based in Bangladesh
Bengali-language education
Bengali literary institutions
1980 establishments in Bangladesh
Learned societies of Bangladesh
Bengali language in Bangladesh