Fourth Kerala Legislative Assembly International Book Festival Begins

Thiruvananthapuram: The fourth edition of the Kerala Legislative Assembly International Book Festival (KLIBF) began here on Wednesday. The festival was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the Sankaranarayanan Thampi Lounge in the Assembly complex, with Speaker A. N. Shamseer presiding over the function.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister referred to claims that book reading is disappearing and said such criticism was misplaced. He said reading is not dying and that book festivals like the KLIBF play an important role in introducing new ideas and creativity into society.

During the inaugural ceremony, Pinarayi Vijayan presented the Kerala Legislative Assembly Award to noted writer N. S. Madhavan. International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq attended the event as the chief guest, while Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Chairperson Dr Christopher K. Kalila delivered the keynote address.

Several leaders and dignitaries took part in the programme, including writer T. Padmanabhan, Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan, Ministers V. Sivankutty and Ramachandran Kadannappally, Chief Whip Dr N. Jayaraj, and District Collector Anukumar. Deputy Speaker Chittayam Gopakumar delivered the welcome address, and Assembly Secretary Dr N. Krishnakumar proposed the vote of thanks. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker later inaugurated the book stalls at the venue.

The week-long festival will feature book releases, discussions, dialogues, lectures, and interactive sessions with writers across six venues set up within the Assembly complex. A Theyyam performance highlighting the cultural traditions of north Kerala is a special attraction this year.

The festival will see the participation of several prominent writers, journalists, and social and cultural figures from India and abroad, including Mauritius’ first woman President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Sri Lankan writer Chulananda Samaranayake, Banu Mushtaq, Taslima Nasrin, and Rana Ayyub.