NEYVELI BOOK FAIR 2026: DAY 4 WITNESSES HUGE STUDENT FOOTFALL; CELEBRATES A LITERARY AND VIBRANT CULTURAL EVENING

The ongoing Neyveli Book Fair 2026 scaled new heights of enthusiasm on its fourth day, witnessing a spectacular influx of young minds. Sparking a vibrant atmosphere across the venue, schoolchildren from schools across the surrounding districts of Cuddalore and Neyveli visited the fair today. This overwhelming patronage from the student community stands as a shining testament to the enduring popularity and educational significance of the Neyveli Book Fair.

A Grand Evening of Intellectual Discourse

The evening's literary proceedings at the Lignite Hall in the Book Fair premises, commenced with a prestigious main event, bringing together distinguished administrators and academicians.

The function was presided over by Thiru I.S. Jasper Rose, Executive Director (Mines & Services, Land and Lignite to Methanol Project) of NLC India Limited. Thiru Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar, IAS, District Collector of Cuddalore, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Prof. Dr. M. Arul, Dean (Management Studies), Annamalai University, attended as the Guest of Honour.

In his insightful address, the Chief Guest, Thiru Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar, IAS, acknowledged the difficulties in organising a Book Fair and commended NLC India Limited (NLCIL) for conducting the Neyveli Book Fair for 25 long years. NLCIL was the only Public Sector Undertaking in the state to organise a Book Fair on this scale, he said. Highlighting the initiatives undertaken by the district administration in improving the educational standards of students, he appealed to NLCIL to continue its support to the District Administration to take Cuddalore District to the next level of development. He called upon the parents and teachers to inculcate the habit of reading among children, which would make knowledge accessible and make India a superpower.

Speaking on the occasion, the Guest of Honour, Prof. Dr. M. Arul, emphasized the importance of books in shaping the thought process of children. Books are the source for knowledge and a book fair is a festival of knowledge, he said.

Stating that conducting a book fair for 25 years is a commitment to nurturing knowledge and intellectual abilities, he praised NLCIL, an energy company, for becoming a pioneer in Corporate Social Responsibility.

Honouring Literary Pillars and New Book Releases

Upholding the book fair's rich tradition of recognizing exceptional contributions to the world of letters, eminent writer Thiru Veerapandian was honoured for his literary excellence. Leading publishing house M/s. Palaniappa Brothers, Chennai, was felicitated for it’s pioneering and institutional contributions to the field of literature.

The day also marked the launch of new literary works. A captivating biography of the legendary footballer Pelé, penned by Thiru Pallavi Kumar, and a thought-provoking compilation of poems titled “Makarandha Theekkuchchigal”, written and compiled by Thiru K. Ramasamy, were formally released during the event.

Cultural Extravaganza

The intellectually stimulating day concluded on a high note of entertainment. The audience at Lignite Hall was thoroughly enthralled by a spectacular light music concert featuring renowned singers Priya Jerson and Prasanna Adisesha of “Vijay TV Super Singer” fame.

The Neyveli Book Fair continues to welcome book lovers, families, and students daily.