Chennai Book Fair Reinvents Itself as a Vibrant Cultural Destination
Last week, the Chennai book fair buzzed with more than just the rustle of pages. Visitors found themselves humming along to James Vasanthan's soulful renditions of classic Tamil movie songs. On another day, crowds gathered to watch skilled artistes from across Tamil Nadu perform silambam, a traditional martial art. The fair has clearly evolved beyond its original purpose.
From Booksellers to a Must-Attend Cultural Extravaganza
Organizers deliberately shifted the fair's focus to stay relevant in today's digital age. They aimed to attract more readers by creating a richer experience. Panel discussions on literary craft engaged serious bibliophiles. Exciting contests drew participants of all ages. These additions signal a major transformation from a simple gathering of booksellers to a comprehensive cultural event.
Shankar Gomathinayagam, a member of BAPASI, explained the strategy. "The fair is at an inflection point, trying to merge creativity, content and culture," he said. "We observed successful models like the Sharjah book fair, where content creators set up stalls to engage Gen Z. We are adopting a similar approach here."
Visitors Embrace the New Experience
Regular attendees appreciate the changes. Ramasamy Subramaniam Pillai, a 92-year-old entrepreneur, has visited the fair for three decades. He shared his perspective. "The fair is no longer just a place to buy books. It has become a dynamic platform for networking with authors, publishers, and artists from various age groups," he noted.
The growth in scale is remarkable. The event started with only 13 stalls in its first edition. Today, it boasts over 980 stalls and features 500 publishers. For the upcoming 50th edition next year, organizers plan to introduce digital elements. The venue now includes more food stalls, games for children, and tech attractions for adults.
R Shankar, a member of the BAPASI organizing committee, highlighted the overall impact. "Together, these features create a unique exhibition-like experience for every visitor," he stated.
Books Remain at the Heart of the Fair
Despite all the new attractions, books continue to hold center stage. R S Shanmugam, president of BAPASI, assured that publishers and authors will always remain the core focus. "We welcome the changes, but we will ensure that publishers and writers stay at the heart of the fair. Stalls and other activities will complement, not overshadow, the primary function of the bookstalls," he affirmed.
The Chennai book fair's intentional evolution demonstrates a successful blend of tradition and innovation. It now offers a multifaceted cultural experience while steadfastly honoring its literary roots.
