Children’s Literature in India - Then, Now and Tomorrow

Abstract

Indian Children’s Literature is growing at a time when attempts to shut voices and put blinkers on
readers are on a rise. We are in a stage of metamorphosis where newer ideas and storylines are being
explored, however there is also a sharp rise in monitoring what the child is reading and choosing for
the child rather than with the child. From ever-shrinking shelf space to increase in gatekeeping, a
large spectrum of problems present themselves in the area of children’s writing. The onus of
responsibility falls not just on authors and creators but also librarians, bookstore owners, teachers
and parents.