Neeraj Jain, Managing Director at Scholastic India
- Career Flexibility: Neeraj’s transition from finance to education highlights the value of curiosity and the impact of being in the right environment with the right attitude.
- Empowering Choice: Allowing children to choose what they read enhances their engagement and fosters a lifelong love for reading.
Podcast
Overview
Unlocking the Magic of Reading: A Conversation with Neeraj Jain on The Brand Called You
In another engaging episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Neeraj Jain, the Managing Director of Scholastic Inc. in India, to delve into the fascinating world of children’s publishing. This episode offers a wealth of insights into how Scholastic has been nurturing the love for reading among children for over a century and continues to do so in India. Here’s a brief overview of their enlightening discussion.
From Finance to Publishing: Neeraj Jain’s Journey
Neeraj Jain kicks off the conversation by sharing his unique transition from leading the finance function to heading Scholastic in India. Interestingly, Neeraj reveals that his move was neither planned nor a thought-out decision. Instead, it was a combination of being in the right place at the right time and having the right attitude. His curiosity and passion for Scholastic’s mission led him to explore roles beyond finance, ultimately leading him to his current position.
Scholastic’s Mission in India
Neeraj dives deep into Scholastic’s mission, which has remained consistent for over a century. Established in 1920, Scholastic began with the aim of supporting teachers in delivering educational content in classrooms. Fast forward to today, that mission continues to drive Scholastic’s efforts in India, where they focus on connecting children with books and fostering a lifelong love for reading. The core objective, as Neeraj explains, is to support educators and encourage reading habits among children.
Evolving Reading Habits in India
The discussion moves to how reading habits among Indian children are evolving. Neeraj draws comparisons between the past and present, noting that while the core interests among children remain consistent (humor, brave characters, and mysteries), the format in which these stories are consumed is changing. Graphic novels, for instance, are increasingly popular among young readers. Neeraj emphasizes that understanding and adapting to these evolving preferences is crucial for encouraging reading.
The Impact of Technology and Screen Time
Neeraj offers a refreshing perspective on the prevalent concern about technology and screen time. He argues that distractions have always existed, whether in the form of outdoor sports in the past or screen time today. The key, according to Neeraj, is to create a conducive reading environment and offer children the choice of what to read, rather than imposing preferences on them.
Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Publishing
India’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity presents both challenges and opportunities. Neeraj acknowledges the increasing demand for books that reflect Indian mythology, culture, and heritage. He shares Scholastic’s initiatives to publish books in multiple Indian languages and highlights the growing recognition of the need for regional literature to make reading more accessible and relatable to diverse audiences.
Advocating for Children’s Publishing
As the chair of the FICCI Publishing Committee, Neeraj plays a pivotal role in advocating for the publishing industry in India. He discusses initiatives aimed at creating community libraries in villages, drawing parallels to successful literacy campaigns. These efforts are crucial in promoting reading habits and expanding access to books across the country.
The Role of Parents and Teachers
Neeraj underscores the critical role parents and teachers play in nurturing a reading habit in children. From providing access to a variety of books to being role models themselves, the involvement of parents and educators is indispensable. Scholastic supports these efforts by sharing research insights and resources to help create a supportive reading environment.
Personal Reflections on Reading
In a more personal segment, Neeraj reflects on his own reading journey. From childhood favorites like Chacha Chaudhary and Hardy Boys to impactful books like Ayn Rand’s “The Fountainhead” and modern gems like “Ikigai for Teens,” Neeraj’s diverse reading experiences highlight the enduring power and joy of books.
Conclusion
This episode of The Brand Called You offers valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of children’s publishing in India. Neeraj Jain’s insights underscore the importance of adapting to changing reader preferences, promoting regional literature, and fostering a supportive reading environment. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or book lover, this conversation is bound to inspire a deeper appreciation for the magic of reading.
RESOURCES:
Learn more about Neeraj Jain: Linkedin
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Profile
- Empowering Choice: Allowing children to choose what they read enhances their engagement and fosters a lifelong love for reading.
- Navigating Tech and Reading: Despite the rise of screen time, Neeraj emphasizes creating a conducive reading environment to keep children’s interest in books alive.
