Gita Wolf receives Honorary Professorship

Gita Wolf, celebrated author, publisher, curator, and co-founder of the renowned Indian publishing house Tara Books, has been awarded an Honorary Professorship by Norwich University of the Arts. Wolf has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to Publishing and Children’s Literature. With her innovative approach to storytelling and book design, Wolf has significantly influenced the global literary scene.

Born in Calcutta, Wolf was educated in various Indian cities, including New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. She founded Tara Books in 1994 in Chennai, India, establishing it as an independent publishing house. Tara Books operates as a collective, creating its own books and collaborating with diverse talents, from signboard painters to tribal and textile artists. Wolf has been a highly original and creative voice in contemporary Indian publishing, continuously exploring and experimenting with the form of the book as a revered cultural object.

Her journey in literature began with “The Very Hungry Lion” in 1995. Since then, she has authored over 25 books for children and adults, many of which have won major international awards and been translated into multiple languages. Her latest book, “Seed,” combines her experiences as a farmer and a publisher.

Wolf’s work at Tara Books, known for its unique handcrafted publications and emphasis on indigenous art and narrative traditions, has garnered international acclaim. She has advocated for the collaborative nature of publishing, stating, “Publishing is a collaborative enterprise, an act of generosity which shares a creative vision with interested readers.” Her commitment to showcasing indigenous art is evident in her belief that “through their art, we get an insight into the rich life worlds of the indigenous communities of India. Art cuts through language barriers.”

Wolf highlights the crucial role of design in bookmaking, saying, “Design is an important voice in bookmaking—it allows meaning to unfold in particular ways.” Her dedication to integrating art, artisanship, and labour is reflected in Tara Books’ handcrafted publications, which she describes as “essentially affordable artists’ books.”

Professor Simon Ofield-Kerr, Vice-Chancellor of Norwich University of the Arts, praised Gita Wolf, stating, “Wolf’s visionary leadership and dedication to preserving and promoting diverse voices through literature have profoundly impacted both the publishing industry and our University community. This honorary professorship celebrates her enduring legacy in the literary world and her pivotal role in shaping contemporary publishing practices.”

In her address to graduates, Wolf expressed her gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to fostering creativity and inclusivity in publishing.