Frontlist | Chennai Book Fair likely to be postponed to February 1st week

Chennai: “We have submitted our representation to Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami seeking permission to conduct book fair but have not received any consent from the government so far,” SK Murugan, secretary, Book Sellers’ and Publishers’ Association of South India (BAPASI), told DT Next. He added that they were expecting to hold the event in the first week of February after getting permission. Due to the pandemic lockdown, there were several restrictions, including on operating printing presses and conducting functions, due to which no new books were printed and book release functions were not held. This forced authors and publishers to look for other avenues to release books, like sending PDF copies to their peers. The Chennai Book Fair, which provides a significant platform for authors and publishers, is also hit by the COVID crisis. Authors said usually the announcement about the book fair, which is conducted around Pongal, is made in November. With no announcement coming so far, there were rumours that the event may not be held next year. However, BAPASI is eager to conduct Chennai Book Fair 2021 at the earliest. “There are 420 members in BAPASI, whose livelihood was affected by the pandemic. It is the duty of the association to help authors and publishers,” said Murugan. Murugan had also met Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Tuesday, urging him to grant permission for the book fair. “Officials are extending support and we are expecting an announcement at the earliest,” he said. Recently, the association’s executive committee met and decided to conduct book fair in the first week of February after obtaining permission from the State government.