#LIVE: #46thChennaiBookFair தொடங்கி வைத்துக் கலைஞர் பொற்கிழி விருதுகள் வழங்கி விழாப் பேருரை https://t.co/9PW1J3Ffdl

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin formally inaugurated the 46th Chennai Book Fair at the Nandanam YMCA grounds in Chennai, delivering the keynote address and presenting the Kalaignar Porkizhi literary awards, broadcast live to literature lovers statewide. Stalin commended the Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India for sustaining this historic cultural institution, which features over eight hundred stalls offering millions of volumes to readers.

In his inaugural speech, Stalin emphasized that public book fairs democratize access to diverse knowledge, fostering critical thinking and intellectual growth among citizens of all backgrounds. He congratulated the six eminent literary scholars honored with the Kalaignar Porkizhi awards for their outstanding contributions to poetry, fiction, non-fiction, drama, and translation. The Chief Minister noted that the award, instituted from personal funds gifted by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, honors exceptional literary excellence.

Stalin reiterated that his government will continuously expand public funding for literature, sponsor international book fairs, and promote reading circles across schools and colleges. He affirmed that an enlightened, well-read populace remains the greatest guarantee of democracy and social progress in Tamil Nadu.