STEADY FLOW OF VISITORS TO THE NEYVELI BOOK FAIR 2026 ON DAY 3

The Neyveli Book Fair 2026 continued to witness an overwhelming response from the public on its third day, drawing large numbers of visitors, including students, book enthusiasts, and families. The Silver Jubilee edition of the Book Fair, inaugurated by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Shri K. Kailashnathan, has attracted massive crowds since its commencement, reaffirming its status as one of the region’s most anticipated literary and cultural events.

Inspiring Literary Evening

The literary programme of the day was held at the Lignite Hall and was presided over by Shri Rajesh Pratap Singh Sisodia, Director (Projects & Planning) and (Power), Additional Charge, NLC India Limited.

Delivering the Chief Guest address, Dr. Bhimaraya Metri, Director, Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Nagpur, fondly recalled his association with NLC India Limited and congratulated the organisation on celebrating the Silver Jubilee of the Neyveli Book Fair. Emphasising the transformative power of reading, he remarked that books form the foundation of education and intellectual growth. He observed that the more one reads, the more one realises the vastness of knowledge yet to be explored.

Highlighting the reading habits of globally acclaimed leaders, Dr. Metri noted that great leaders are invariably avid readers. He underscored the role of book fairs in nurturing reading habits, expanding knowledge, and strengthening cultural connections. In an era where people are increasingly connected through social media but gradually drifting away from their cultural roots and traditions, he stressed the importance of books in preserving values and broadening perspectives. He urged children and young readers to cultivate the habit of reading, which fosters creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.

The Guest of Honour, Dr. Olivannan Gopalakrishnan, Senior Vice-President, Tamil Nadu Centre of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing (TANCAM), commended NLC India Limited as a model Public Sector Enterprise. Appreciating the lush green environment surrounding the Neyveli Lignite Mines, he observed that NLCIL had successfully balanced industrial growth with environmental stewardship.

Drawing a parallel between environmental sustainability and knowledge development, he lauded NLCIL for organising the Book Fair continuously for the past 25 years and thereby contributing significantly to the intellectual growth of society. Addressing students and young readers, he encouraged them to overcome the distractions posed by social media and artificial intelligence and develop a regular reading habit. He aptly described reading as an exercise for the mind, just as walking is an exercise for the body.

Honouring Literary Contributions

As part of the celebrations, eminent writer Dr. Suprabharathimanian was felicitated in recognition of his valuable contributions to literature. M/s. SixthSense Publications, Chennai, a distinguished publishing house, was also honoured for its contribution to the publishing industry and promotion of reading culture.

Book Releases

Two new literary works were released during the programme - “Aavuri”, a collection of short stories authored by Uthangal Govindarasu and “Nenjai Urukkum Ninaivugal”, a poetry collection authored by Sa. Ku. Sezhiyan.

Cultural Performances Enthrall Audience

The evening concluded with vibrant cultural performances that captivated the audience. A graceful Bharatanatyam recital by Rudra Natyalaya was followed by an energetic Kerala Fusion Dance performance by M/s. Meha Sruthi Entertainers, adding colour and vibrancy to the literary celebrations.

With enthusiastic participation from readers of all age groups, the Neyveli Book Fair 2026 continues to serve as a vibrant platform for promoting literature, knowledge sharing, and cultural enrichment.