The Federation of Publishers’ and Booksellers’ Associations in India (FPBAI) has conferred the Golden Award on Upendra Arora of the Dehradun based Natraj Publishers for his contribution to the book industry. The recipient of the Golden Award is selected from those who have been in the publishing field for over 50 years.
While presenting the award, the association president Subhash Sethi said that the federation was unanimous in selecting Arora for the award given his reputation as an ethical businessman and conscientious personality, who has been consistent in promoting reading habits and the value of printed books amongst individual readers and institutions.
The award citation reads, “Upendra Arora is the grandson of lala Narain Das ji, who had established a book shop at Ferozpur Cantt in the year 1923. lala ji is considered to be the founder and pioneer of the book trade in India. Subsequently, lala ji’s son Sohan lal established Natraj Publishers at Dehra Dun.”
The citation further says, “Upendra Arora, following the legacy and keeping up the professional tradition of the family, joined the family business in the year 1966. He is a member of the executive committee of the federation and has also served on the Anti-Piracy Committee of the Federation.”
It should be mentioned here that the federation is the largest representative body of the Indian book industry with its activities and areas of operations extending all over the country.