The Madurai Book Fair has become an integral part of Madurai’s culture, said Assistant Commissioner of Commercial Taxes P. Devendra Boopathy at the valedictory function of the eighth edition of the Madurai Book Fair at Tamukkam Grounds here on Monday.
The Madurai Book Fair, organised by the Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI), attracted a record number of over three lakh visitors this year, according to the organisers.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Boopathy, said that several other districts were now emulating Madurai and organising book fairs. He added that the Madurai Book Fair was a huge success because of the overwhelming support of the people.
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“Madurai gave us great writers such as Avvaiyar and Velliveedhiyar. The literary significance of Madurai can be brought to the fore by inculcating the reading habit in the younger generation.
Madurai should be known as the intellectual capital of Tamil Nadu”, he said.
K. Pasumpon, a member of the World Tamil Sangam, said: “The Madurai Book Fair is gaining significance along the lines of the Chithirai Tiruvizha. Each family should make it a point to buy at least 10 books at the fair every year. It will help enrich the knowledge of the younger generation.”
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Mr. Boopathy distributed prizes to the winners of drawing and elocution contests organised during the book fair.