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CM Stalin Honors Authors, Inaugurates 49th Chennai Book Fair as "Knowledge Festival"

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin inaugurated the 49th Chennai Book Fair, describing it as a long-running knowledge festival. He highlighted the Kalaignar Porkizhi award, through which eminent authors receive Rs 1 lakh each from interest earned on a donation by former CM Kalaignar. Stalin recalled his personal initiative since 2014 to receive books instead of gifts, leading to the distribution of nearly four lakh books. The fair, running until January 21, features over a thousand stalls and offers free entry to the public.

Key Points: Chennai Book Fair 2025: Stalin Inaugurates, Awards Writers

  • CM inaugurates 49th Chennai Book Fair
  • Authors honored with Kalaignar Porkizhi award
  • Fair features over 30,000 books & 1000+ stalls
  • Public urged to read for an hour daily
  • Special discounts and free entry offered
2 min read

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin recognises contribution of authors with Kalaignar Porkizhi award at 49th Chennai Book Fair inauguration

TN CM MK Stalin inaugurates 49th Chennai Book Fair, awards authors with Kalaignar Porkizhi prize, urges public to cultivate daily reading habits.

"the Tamil community should be recognised globally as a knowledge-based society - Chief Minister M K Stalin"

Chennai, January 9

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday inaugurated the 49th edition of the Chennai Book Fair at the YMCA Grounds in Nandanam, describing it as a long-running knowledge festival and expressing happiness over its continued success.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said he was delighted to inaugurate the long-running knowledge festival and expressed his gratitude to the publishers who have been consistently organising the exhibition over the years.

Stalin said it gave him special personal satisfaction that the interest earned from the Rs 1 crore donation made by former Chief Minister Kalaignar is being used to honour outstanding writers. Under this initiative, eminent authors are being awarded Rs 1 lakh each through the Kalaignar Porkizhi award, CM Stalin added.

Emphasising the importance of knowledge, the Chief Minister said the Tamil community should be recognised globally as a knowledge-based society.

Recalling his long-standing association with books, he said that from 2014 onwards, he had instructed people meeting him to present books instead of gifts. Since then, students have been writing to him requesting books from libraries, and so far, nearly four lakh books have been distributed.

The Chief Minister also expressed happiness over the establishment of the Kalaignar Library in Madurai, which has been built at a cost of Rs 218 crore.

Concluding his address, the Chief Minister urged the public to cultivate the habit of reading and advised everyone to read books for at least one hour every day.

The Chennai Book Fair, being held from January 8 to January 21, features more than 1,000 stalls showcasing over 30,000 books and more than 12 lakh book titles. The fair is open daily from 11.00 am to 8.30 pm and attracts around 30 lakh new readers every year. Special discounts are being offered on book sales, and entry to the fair is free, an official statement said.

The Muthamizh Arignar M Karunanidhi Gold Jubilee Awards for 2026 are also being presented as part of the inaugural events.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great to see the focus on building a knowledge society. The CM's personal initiative to ask for books instead of gifts since 2014 is commendable. Distributing nearly 4 lakh books is no small feat. More states should promote reading like this.
A
Arjun K
While I appreciate the sentiment, I hope the focus on Tamil knowledge doesn't become exclusionary. India's strength is its diversity of languages and thought. The fair should also prominently feature translations and works from other Indian languages.
S
Sarah B
As a visitor from abroad, I'm impressed! 30 lakh new readers every year is an incredible statistic. The scale of this fair is mind-boggling. The free entry and discounts make it so accessible. Wish we had something similar back home.
K
Karthik V
The Rs 218 crore library in Madurai is a massive investment in public infrastructure. This is where taxpayer money should go – building temples of knowledge, not just temples of stone. Kudos to the government for this vision.
M
Meera T
The one-hour reading challenge from the CM is a nice thought, but in today's fast-paced life, finding that time is tough for many. Maybe the initiative could also promote audiobooks and digital libraries for easier access? Just a suggestion.

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