KOCHI: The 20th International Book Festival at Kochi (to go on till December 11) is organised by the Antharashtra Pusthakotsava Samithy (APS). Celebrating 20 years of word power, the APS is committed to spreading literacy and the joy of reading across the state. The prime focus is on book trade, however, the exhibition has also showcased a cultural festival along with a discussion forum for academic talks on various issues.
As for the common worries that the habit of reading is getting unpopular among the youth, APS President E N Nandakumar says, “There’s nothing like that and we have definitely sustained a culture of reading. However, these days, you cannot expect everyone to only read books as we’ve known them. Even if they opt for e-reading apps, it is not a problem. If reading happens, then the point is made. The book festival is all about offering a wider selection to the readers.”
But Georgey Thomas, of Mathrubhumi Publishers, says, “Even though e-reading has increased, it hasn’t affected the printing of books,” he says. “So, there is still a foreseeable future for printed books.”
Meanwhile, Nandakumar says that Malayalam fiction has taken a hit. “Stories from Kerala are not being discussed anywhere,” he says. “If more stories are churned out from our state, there will be a greater number of readers, of course.”
Nandakumar acknowledges the contribution of media in putting the limelight on books and reading. “There’s help coming from media where they point out new books in the market to prospective readers. This keeps them updated about literature and other non-fiction that hit the market every so often” he says.