NAGAPATTINAM: District Collector P Akash flagged off campaign vehicles at the Perarignar Anna Bus Stop in Velippalayam on Monday to promote the upcoming Fourth Nagapattinam Book Fair. The fair, which begins on August 1 and will continue till August 11, will host over 100 stalls showcasing lakhs of books, along with a wide range of engaging activities, sports, and creative public workshops.
The book fair is set to be held at the Nagapattinam Government Industrial Training Institute, with preparations for the stalls currently in full swing. As part of the promotional campaign, the collector also affixed promotional stickers on private auto-rickshaws at the nearby auto stand. In a unique initiative, the auto-rickshaw drivers volunteered to transform their vehicles into ‘Auto Libraries’- with net-woven shelves hanging inside the autos, allowing commuters to pick up and read books on the go.
The rickshaws continued to function as usual, transporting passengers while spreading the word about the book fair. To further spread awareness, organisers have also launched offline promotional efforts such as conducting reading circles in schools, colleges, and other educational institutions.
The 11-day fair will feature a variety of engaging events and exhibitions, including a mini planetarium, a vintage car displace, a Nagai lifestyle photo exhibition (with public contributions), a painting exhibition by Ponni Chithira Art School students, an exhibition of traditional musical instruments, a traditional paddy seed showcase, live art performances, and art workshops.
Musical jamming sessions, weightlifting contests, and bodybuilding competitions will also be part of the line-up. Career guidance sessions focusing on unconventional career paths will also be conducted for students. One of the key highlights will be Thinnai Pechu (Human Library), where individuals will share personal stories of survival and strength.
“Nagapattinam has faced immense tragedies such as the 2004 Tsunami and the Gaja cyclone in 2018. Despite these disasters, the people have shown great resilience. Through Thinnai Pechu, their stories- those of artists and achievers from the district- will be shared by the people themselves,” said collector Akash, speaking to TNIE.