By P. Chandra Sagaran
In an effort to promote Tamil literature and reading, a book launch festival was held here recently.
The books on Kannathasan’s Cinematic Literature, Values of Tamil Literature and Dr Jayabalan’s poets, was written by
Professor Dr V. Jayabalan, a Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist.
It was officiated by MIC Deputy President Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.
Some 500 people attended the function with speeches from several prominent speakers and they were also entertained by songs sung by local artistes with lyrics written by film lyricist Kannathasan.
Jayabalan said:”Initially we planned to hold a book launch ceremony but gradually it became a book launch festival.
“At a normal book launch we could expect 50 to 100 people to attend, but today there are 500 people.
“Reading is a rare culture among the community compared to the West, as electronic gadgets have come in, as such efforts must be made to promote literature and reading habits.
“We are looking at the future by providing guidance for them and hope such events will inspire the young generations.
“They have to acquire knowledge on how to publish books and also ways to market them.
“In Malaysia there are no proper channels to market these books.
“There is a proposal to hold a large scale Ipoh Tamil Books Festival,” he added. Several of the guests also bought the books.
Also at the event, three veteran local writers who are A. K. David, Annakili Rasaiah and Kamalatchi Arumugam were honoured.
Three guests, V. G. Santhosam, Mallai Sathya from Chennai and Devakottai Ramanathan from Madurai were also present.