#### Salila: A Strong Platform for Children's Literary Growth

How did a modest literary initiative started in 1994 from Salumber grow into a nationwide movement for children’s literature? How did Salila, an organization devoted to literary promotion, become a nurturing space for creativity among children from rural and tribal regions? In this exclusive interview, renowned children’s writer Dr. Vimala Bhandari shares how innovation, dedication, and consistent literary efforts have turned Salila into a national platform for fostering young minds.

Format Interview:

Q1. When and how was Salila founded?
Ans: Salila was founded on 4th September 1994 in Salumber, Rajasthan. It began as an intellectual platform for literature enthusiasts. Over time, it emerged as a prominent organization working at the national level in the field of children’s literature.

Q2. How did the National Children’s Literature Conference begin?
Ans: The first National Children's Literature Conference was organized in 2010 with the support of the Rajasthan Sahitya Akademi, Udaipur. Its aim was to bring literature to every child, even in the remotest corners. Since then, annual conferences have been held to connect literature with social relevance.

Q3. What are the key features of these conferences?
Ans: Each conference begins with performances by children — poetry recitation, plays, reviews, anchoring, etc. Children also participate in book releases and review sessions, which greatly boosts their confidence and creative expression.

Q4. Are research papers presented at these conferences?
Ans: Yes, renowned children’s writers from across India present research papers on current topics such as 21st-century children’s literature, tribal childhoods, autobiographies, children's plays, and biographies. Over 50 research papers have been presented so far.

Q5. What role does the souvenir ‘Salil Pravah’ play?
Ans: The souvenir ‘Salil Pravah’ has played a significant role in highlighting children’s literature in Rajasthan. Special issues have been published focusing on eminent writers like Sudha Johri, Murlidhar Vaishnav, and Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, giving them deserved recognition.

Q6. What kinds of competitions does Salila organize?
Ans: Competitions are held in various genres such as children’s stories, travelogues, letter writing, one-act plays, autobiographies, biographies, and children's songs. Winning entries are published as books and launched in formal ceremonies along with review discussions.

Q7. What efforts have been made for rural and tribal children?
Ans: Salila has conducted five-day writing workshops for rural and tribal children. These include training in poetry, story writing, essays, drama writing, wall newspapers, and anchoring. The first such workshop was held in September 2011 at Luv Kush School, Salumber.

Q8. What role do children play in book launches?
Ans: On 24th September 2010, for the first time, children led the book release ceremony and review discussions. They shared their thoughts on the books and interacted with authors and teachers.

Q9. What other notable achievements has the organization attained?
Ans:

Over 150 children’s books released.

More than 100 children’s writers awarded (₹2 lakh+ in total).

Over 1000 children encouraged through awards.

Literary exhibitions, national poetry events, film screenings, and career guidance sessions.

Online children’s writing workshops with participation from renowned authors across India.

Q10. Has Salila’s work had a significant impact?
Ans: Absolutely. Salila’s efforts have rejuvenated the children’s literature scene in Rajasthan. Several districts, including Jaipur, now host similar events. In 2019, the Government of Rajasthan established the Children’s Literature Academy, the first of its kind in the country.

Conclusion:

What began as a humble initiative from Salumber has evolved into a movement empowering children's creativity across the nation. Under the leadership of Dr. Vimala Bhandari, Salila has not only nurtured literary talent among rural and tribal youth but also transformed children’s literature into a powerful medium for holistic development.