A Celebration of Knowledge: Kerala Assembly Book Festival Concludes in Style

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Legislature International Book Festival Fouth Edition has concluded with a colourful celebration of reading, ideas, dialogue, and art, spanning seven days and nights. The closing session was inaugurated by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, with Speaker A N Shamsheer presiding.

The festival, which began on January 7, brought a festive atmosphere to the state capital. It featured 170 publishers, 280 stalls, and over 300 book releases, drawing participation from more than one lakh visitors. The northern Malabar ritual art form Theyyam was a major attraction, with performances of Pookkuttichathan Thira, Muthappan Vellattam, and Agnikanthakaran drawing large crowds. KLIBF Talks, literary sessions, and the specially curated ‘Students’ Corner’ offered spaces for both knowledge sharing and entertainment.

The closing session saw the participation of Minister Ramachandran Kadannappalli, Mayor V V Rajesh, Deputy Speaker Chittayam Gopakumar, MLAs Ramesh Chennithala and V K Prashanth, and Assembly Secretary Dr N Krishnakumar. The Governor also launched new publications released by the Assembly and presented the Kerala Legislative Assembly Media Awards.

Governor urges other assemblies to follow Kerala’s example

Governor Arlekar said Kerala’s model of hosting a book festival within the Assembly premises should be emulated by other state legislatures. He highlighted that books are more than mere collections of letters, they reflect personality, culture, and values. Book festivals are initiatives to nurture the next generation with care. He added that while today’s children are immersed in mobiles and computers, adults must set an example by making reading a part of daily life. “The book festival must evolve beyond the mere display of books to become a celebration of reading. Our democracy thrives on openness that does not fear criticism,” the Governor said, praising the Assembly Library and the initiatives led by Speaker A N Shamsheer.

Kerala’s thinking today shapes India’s tomorrow: Speaker

Speaker Shamsheer observed that officials from other states attending the festival demonstrate that “what Kerala thinks today, India thinks tomorrow.” He credited the festival’s success entirely to the Secretariat staff, noting that even if the fifth edition of the festival is held under a different Speaker, the organisation’s excellence will continue to ensure its success.

Diversity is strength: Former Mauritius President

Delivering the keynote address, former President of Mauritius Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim emphasised that diversity should not be feared but embraced as a driver of progress. She drew parallels between Mauritius and Kerala, noting that multilingualism and cultural variety are Kerala’s strengths. She added that Kerala’s achievement as a state with negligible poverty attracts global attention and acknowledged the invaluable contribution of Kerala professionals to Mauritius’ healthcare sector. The seven-day festival showcased Kerala’s unique blend of culture, literature, and knowledge, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and participants from across the country.