New Delhi, July 2 (IANS) Why are there so few children’s magazines in India? This question was posed here Friday by editor Navin Menon of Children’s World.

‘Presently there are very few magazines published for children in India though, as future citizens, they will play the most important role in building the nation,’ Menon told IANS.

Menon spoke on the sidelines of a discussion on promotion of children’s literature, organised by the National Book Trust.

Children’s literary magazines could play a role in improving creativity and communication skills of children, publishers and writers said at the discussion.

‘The role of magazines in promoting literature among children has widened its scope not only in urban areas but in rural areas as well,’ said Shantanu Tamuli, editor of Assamese children magazine Mouchaq.

Tamuli mentioned that a survey of 1,000 readers found that 63 percent were able to improve their communication skills with the help of stories and articles published in his magazine.

‘These magazines are often read together by both children and their parents. So, adults also get an insight on handling their wards,’ he said.