Pleased to read about this. I had requested well wishers to give books instead of shawls and bouquets over few years ago. This practice has...

DMK president M.K. Stalin expressed profound satisfaction over reports highlighting the expanding public adoption of gifting books rather than ceremonial shawls and floral bouquets at public events. Recalling his personal initiative launched several years earlier, Stalin explained that he had publicly requested party cadres, well-wishers, and dignitaries to present books instead of perishable flowers or expensive shawls during public felicitations and political receptions. This sustained cultural practice enabled him to collect and donate more than one lakh valuable educational books to public libraries and rural educational centers across Tamil Nadu.

Stalin observed that encouraging reading habits and strengthening community libraries represent vital investments in human development, critical thinking, and social advancement. Transforming routine ceremonial protocol into an instrument for intellectual enrichment fosters a pervasive culture of learning, particularly benefiting students and underprivileged aspirants preparing for competitive examinations.

Stalin hoped that political leaders, community organizers, writers, and public institutions across India would embrace this transformative practice. He emphasized that promoting books democratizes knowledge, nurtures critical rational thought, and honors the progressive intellectual traditions championed by visionary social reformers throughout Tamil Nadu's history.