Located in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, Gita Press finds its home in an iconic temple-like building where the sounds of prayers and chants reverberate through narrow lanes…reports Khushboo Agrahari who is a senior Journalist based in India…reports Asian Lite News
Being a proud member of the Gita Press family fills me with immense pride as I witness the recognition and gratitude expressed for the prestigious organization by the Prime Minister of India. The recent presentation of the prestigious Gandhi Peace Award to Gita Press further cements its position as a pioneering force in promoting peace, harmony, and non-violence. This esteemed accolade emphasizes the significant impact Geeta Press has made in fostering social cohesion and disseminating the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, whose ideals continue to steer us towards a more compassionate and improved world.
This milestone serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment and passion exhibited by the founders, staff, and supporters of Gita Press, who have devoted themselves tirelessly to upholding the values and teachings of Sanatan Dharma. Lalmani Tiwari ji, our manager, expressed deep gratitude, stating, “As we celebrate Gita Press’s century of service and its reception of the Gandhi Peace Award, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all those involved in this noble endeavor. The unwavering dedication, vision, and commitment to preserving and disseminating the wisdom of our ancient scriptures have enriched countless lives and inspired generations.”
Located in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, Gita Press finds its home in an iconic temple-like building where the sounds of prayers and chants reverberate through narrow lanes. Established in 1923 by Late Shri Jaydayal Goyandka and Ghanshyamdas Jalan, it has played a pivotal role in spreading the principles of Sanatan Dharma to the masses through the publication of revered texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Puranas. Over the years, it has built an enduring legacy, solidifying its position as one of the most renowned publishing houses for religious books globally.
Starting humbly by renting a place for Rs 10 and purchasing a printing machine for Rs 600, Gita Press printed 5,000 copies of the Bhagavad Gita, all of which were quickly sold out. Since then, Gita Press has sold an estimated 410 million copies of the Bhagavad Gita and 70 million copies of Ramcharitmanas, ensuring that these sacred texts are accessible to people from all walks of life at a subsidized rate.
In 1926, during a marwari community session, Ghanshyamdas Birla, impressed by the ideology of Jaydayal Goyandka and Hanuman Prasad Poddar, proposed the idea of starting a journal to maximize the reach and impact of their work. This led to the establishment of the renowned journal “Kalyan.” Serving as a platform for religious, cultural, and moral thoughts, Kalyan also provides insights into the social and political landscape of the time. Notably, the journal refrains from carrying any advertisements or reviews, focusing solely on promoting spiritual teachings and values.
Recognizing the importance of visual representation in literature, Gita Press established the in-house art gallery, “Leela Chitra Mandir.” This gallery showcases timeless artwork depicting events from the Ramleela, Krishna Leela, and various gods and goddesses. It also houses significant artifacts such as the first printing press of Geeta Press, letters by Mahatma Gandhi, and ancient copies of the Bhagavad Gita. Shlokas from the Gita are inscribed on marble blocks, enhancing the gallery’s artistic and historical significance.
Throughout its century-long journey, the organization has witnessed technological advancements while remaining steadfast in its core ideology. The institution utilizes automated machines for most processes, with the exception of the “case making” stage in the post-press division. This manual process is retained due to religious considerations, as the use of animal glue in most case-making machines is not acceptable to them. With publications available in over 15 languages and a collection of approximately 1,800 religious books, Gita Press continues to flourish, publishing around 25 million copies annually, which are sold through various outlets and branches.
The impact of its publications extends beyond adult readership. Recognizing the significance of providing reading material for all age groups, the institution introduced “Bal Sahitya” in 1937, focusing on literature for children. This initiative encompasses books that cover topics ranging from Hindi and English alphabets to daily routines, character-building, inspiring stories from Hindu epics, and biographies of sages and devotees. Its journey, marked by millions of copies sold and its profound influence on the nation’s psyche, exemplifies its stature as a beacon of Hindu culture. Here’s to another century of success, growth, and the invaluable contribution of Gita Press to the spiritual and cultural fabric of our nation, as it continues to shine as a guiding light, enlightening hearts and minds with its profound publications and unwavering dedication to the timeless principles of Sanatan Dharma.
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