Date:04/08/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/08/04/stories/2004080401630900.htm

Back Yash Birla Group to launch educational books

Our Bureau

Mumbai , Aug 3

YASH Birla Group has tied up with Gareth Steven Publishing of the USto launch Shloka Publications, a publishing house with a portfolio of educational reference books and materials for children.

The new range, known as the Shloka Educational Series, comprises six series, consisting of 24 titles. Well known writers like Isaac Asimov, Julia Barnes, Paula Wallace, Jean F. Blashfield and Deborah A. Grahame have contributed to the series.

The other series that are being introduced include 101 facts about the world, a series on the solar system by Isaac Asimov, Life Around the World series and series on International Organization that has been introduced for the first time by any publisher in India, consisting of four titles: Interpol, UNICEF, Red Cross and World Health Organization.

These books will be made available in all major cities through the retail network of bookshops. The group is also planning to start direct marketing activities to reach consumers directly.

Shloka Publication plans to add one series to the educational range every month. The editorial division is currently involved in developing titles of CD-ROMs and books, which are likely to be launched by September 2004.

The group is also finalizing a joint venture with a known brand for educational CD-ROMs/VCDs. The first lot of these CDs will be in the market by October 2004. Gareth Steven Publishing is a part of WRC Media Inc, US, one of the largest publishers of reference educational materials.