The 19th Neyveli Book Fair, organised by the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC), will commence at the Book Fair Grounds on July 1.
The annual book fair, since inception in 1998, has evolved into a flagship event for the NLC and is now also recognised as South India’s second largest book fair.
Spread over 10 days, the book fair will bring together over 150 publishers and over 10,000 titles under one roof.
Special invitee to the inaugural event, Puducherry Chief Secretary Manoj Parida, will launch the Neyveli Book Fair in the presence of Sarat Kumar Acharya, CMD, NLC.
A host of dignitaries from State and Central governments are participating as chief guests on different days during the fair.
In view of the ever-growing number of visitors from the surrounding districts, it is proposed to keep open the book stalls from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
During the days of book fair, one eminent writer, one publisher will be honoured and a new book will be released.
Over the course of 10 days from July 1 to 10, the Book Fair will put on show paper and digital books, magazines, CDs, and much more, targeting school children and book lovers.
Free entry passes
Season tickets for the school children at concessional rates have also been arranged.
As a CSR initiative, the NLC has made special arrangements for schools especially government schools and under privileged children to visit the Fair by issuing free entry passes to 15,000 school students hailing from Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Cuddalore and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
About 150 stalls containing books of around 140 publishers and computer software and peripherals are also on offer.
Leading publishers, including the Sahitya Akademi, Publication Division of Government of India and eminent publications are scheduled to participate in the fair.
Cultural programmes
Various cultural programmes like Colours of India by Abinaya Natyalaya by Anna Varghese, Crazy Creation’s Crazy Mohan in Meesai Analum Manaivi – a hilarious comedy play, melody with Jaya Rajagopalan, Carnatic Vocalist Dr. Gayatri Venkatesan, magic shows and light music will be staged on the occasion.
Contests
Spot competitions of various sorts will be hosted for children. A short story competition is also being held for Tamil writers in addition to an essay contest for school and college students and a short film event for the Visual Communication students.
The short film contest winners will be felicitated by director, Vasanthabalan.
Continuing with custom, a free health check up, including Pulmonary assessment, and a physiotherapy stall has also been organised by the NLC Hospital authorities.
As part of Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the NLC Public Relations Department will organise a special stall to showcase the NLC growth story and 60 years of achievements.
