Motilal Banarsidass Heritage Publishers

This document from Marwar India, "Motilal Banarsidass Heritage Publishers," provides a comprehensive overview of the history and operations of Motilal Banarsidass Publishers (MLBD).

Founding and Legacy: MLBD's roots trace back to 1903 when Motilal Jain and his son Banarsidass, who were previously jewelers in the court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, started a small bookshop in Lahore with a modest capital. Their keen interest in religion and philosophy laid the foundation for a business that would grow to become the world's largest publisher of books on religion, philosophy, and Indology.

Evolution and Family Involvement: Following the Partition, the business was divided among Banarsidass's five grandsons. Narendra Jain led the company until his passing, and currently, his four brothers manage operations from their flagship store in Delhi, with their mother, Leela Jain, serving as chairperson.

Publishing Philosophy and Reach: MLBD distinguishes itself in today's market by focusing on niche, valuable content, offering a unique experience for readers amidst a landscape dominated by fast-selling generic reads and electronics. The company has published approximately 5,000 books, releasing around 60 new titles and 100 reprints annually. Despite the rise of the internet, MLBD maintains a tradition of publishing, with its titles being essential stock in libraries of educational institutions and universities across India. The Library of Congress in the USA has designated MLBD as its authorized dealer for Indology works. Their clientele also includes other significant organizations like South Asia Books and Jagdish Sanskrit Pustakalaya, highlighting the quality and breadth of their content.

MLBD bookstores are characterized by their organized sections dedicated to specific subjects like health, medicine, tantra, astrology, and "Geeta." The publishing process is meticulous, with only a select few manuscripts (5-6 out of 50-60 received monthly) being chosen for publication, reflecting a commitment to quality. MLBD's roster of writers includes esteemed figures like Vedic scholar David Frawley and Paul Dundas, a member of the Pali Text Society, indicating an international scope. Popular titles include the Shri Ramcharitmanas and significant scholarly works like a 100-volume translation of the Maha Puranas and a 28-volume encyclopedia of Indian philosophies.

Business Principles and Future Outlook: The Jain brothers view their niche content as a unique selling proposition, recognizing the enduring demand for books on yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, and related fields. They emphasize their commitment to fair dealings with customers and patrons worldwide as a core strength, contributing to their slow but steady growth. The company's longevity and stability are attributed to their harmonious family relationships and adherence to joint family traditions, which have fostered ethical business practices and respectful employee relations. Many employees have served MLBD for over 50 years, a testament to the company's values, and were recognized during the company's centenary celebrations in 2003.

Notable patrons have included Presidents S. Radhakrishnan and Rajendra Prasad, and a poignant anecdote highlights President Abdul Kalam's deep regard for MLBD's books, evidenced by an uncashed cheque kept as memorabilia.

While acknowledging the challenges of decreasing readership and sales, MLBD is adapting to changing consumer habits. Their imprint, New Age Books, focuses on popular topics like reiki, self-healing, and pranic healing to attract diverse age groups. The company is also diversifying its offerings by exporting yoga and puja accessories, Tibetan and Buddhist handicrafts, and plans to launch a web portal for Ayurvedic cosmetics and organic foods. This outward expansion demonstrates a strategic approach to remain relevant in evolving markets while maintaining their core publishing passion.

Timeline Highlights: The document also provides a timeline of significant milestones for MLBD:

• 1903: Founding of the bookshop in Lahore.
• 1915: Business officially named Motilal Banarasidass Publishers.
• 1937: Establishment of MLBD branches in Patna and Varanasi.
• 1957: Inauguration of the flagship store in New Delhi.
• 1965: Acquisition of distribution rights for "Vedic Mathematics," which became a bestseller.
• 1989: Publication of a unique, illustrated "Shri Ramcharitmanas" with multiple translations.
• 1992: Shantilal Jain receives the Padma Shri award, a historic recognition for an Indian publisher.

In essence, the document portrays MLBD as a venerable institution that has successfully navigated over a century of change, driven by a deep passion for knowledge, ethical business practices, and a commitment to preserving and promoting Indian heritage through its extensive publishing endeavors.