Chennai: The 49th Chennai Book Fair of the Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI) concluded on a grand note on January 21st at the YMCA Grounds in Nandanam. Over the course of 13 days, nearly 2 million visitors arrived and nearly 5 million books were sold. Speaking to DT Next, BAPASI President RS Shanmugam said the fair received an overwhelming response, including free entry. He added, “Even on weekdays, the fair received a total of about 1.5-2 million visitors. Of the 10 million books displayed at the fair, nearly half were sold.” Publishers expressed happiness over the sales and the turnout, especially from young people and families. Shanmugam said the association was encouraged by the response and would begin preparations quickly, as the coming year will be BAPASI’s golden jubilee. He added that the fair plans to feature international publications in the next edition.
Visitors also gave positive feedback. First-time visitor James Kirubagaran said, “I came to the fair because my friends recommended it, and I really liked it.” A major attraction at this year’s fair was the Aadhaar enrolment and updation stall set up by BAPASI, which attracted people of all ages. Manohar, a resident of Thyagaraya Nagar, said, “Services like biometric correction and spelling change usually require going to the post office, which involves long waits and taking time off work. But the stall offered a more convenient option.” M Thanigaivel, a student at YMCA College of Physical Education, agreed, saying: “Private centres charge over 200 rupees for biometric and iris updation, while the stall charges 125 rupees. My college needs to upgrade my Aadhaar biometrics to receive a scholarship. So this stall was very useful.”
Chennai: 49th Chennai Book Fair concludes with 2 million visitors
