The Chennai International Book Fair brings Together Publishers from 40 Countries to Promote Tamil Novels around the World

Explore diverse Tamil literature at the Chennai International Book Fair. Witness the translation of 52 novels into multiple languages, promoting global cultural exchange.

on Jan 17, 2024

The Chennai International Book Fair brings Together Publishers from 40 Countries to Promote Tamil Novels around the World | Frontlist

After signing approximately 350 memoranda of understanding with various publishers, 52 novels were translated from Tamil to various languages using the translation grant offered by the State government.

On Tuesday, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi inaugurated the second edition of the Chennai International Book Fair (CIBF).

The three-day event brings together publishers from 40 nations to share their books that can be translated into Tamil or vice versa via the 'rights centre'. The rights pavilion, which includes over 50 publishers, shares their repertoire in order to obtain the right to translate their books.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Mahesh stated that Tamil Nadu has a great literary tradition. "CIBF aspires to enhance our love for reading and enhance cultural understanding," he said in a statement. After signing roughly 350 memoranda of understanding with various publishers, the State government provided a translation grant that enabled 52 novels to be translated from Tamil into various languages.

Gvantsa Jobava, vice-president of the International Publishers Association, emphasised the necessity of robust government rules, saying that it was the government's responsibility, not the readers', to ensure that pirated versions of books did not circulate.

In a social media message, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin stated, "Over 200 books on vocational occupation topics will be translated and published in Tamil."

Various publishers from across the country in all languages have released books in several languages. Ival Bharathi, a literary agent and publisher, has already signed on five books to be translated into other languages.

Mr. Mahesh also created a coffee table book called Taking Tamil to the World to commemorate the occasion. Health Minister Ma. Subramanian, MSME Minister T.M. Anbarasan, Malaysian Consul General Saravana Kumar Kumaravasagam, Education Secretary J. Kumaragurubaran, and others attended the ceremony.