Addressing a gathering during a workshop on book publication, jointly organised by the KPA and Public Library Department, Joshi said literary stalwarts like G Narayana and Masti Venkatesh Iyengar were so inspiring that people would kneel to their feet.

He said Iyengar had published a Kannada handbook and sold it at Rs two per copy, which is till now a guide to those who are learning Kannada. He asked publishers to learn the nuances of publication like proof-reading, training to the DTP operators and know what they are publishing. He also highlighted the evil of piracy damaging the publication industry.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director of Public Library Department S B Hondadakeri said the government sanctioned Rs 6.5 crore this financial year to purchase books for the public libraries which will be spent next month. He assured the publishers that all the dues towards the publishers would be cleared in the next three months. Books would also be displayed at public libraries for sale.