Chennai Book Fairs - 2016

So far this year (2016), there have been three Book Fairs in Chennai. The first one, Pongal Book Fair by Tamil Nadu Book Sales and Promotions Association, happened in the month of January at YMCA grounds, Royapettah. Soon after the floods that devastated the city, it was missed by many and the stalls were also few. Usually during this time of the year, BAPASI's book fair would happen at Nandanam YMCA grounds. As the city was just limping back to normalcy, BAPASI postponed their book fair to second quarter of the year. I was bit disappointed. But the discounts were better than BAPASI's usual 10%. Some stalls had up to 30% discount. Food stalls were few (who cares!) and other arrangements like parking, floor leveling were not up to the usual standards.

The second one by Chennai Puthaga Sangam at the Periyar Thidal in the month of April was the best according to me. There was a flat 50% discount on new books and there were lot of second-hand books for the delight of people like me. I was able to buy 10 novels (350 pages approx. each) for Rs. 300/-. Best deals were available on children's book too. 10 books for Rs. 100/- and 100 books for Rs. 500/-. I was carrying two wooden-handle bags full of books back to home!  Parking, food stalls and cleanliness were far superior. There was no entry fee. It happened in a fully air-conditioned hall. Those who missed it should regret!

The current one (1st to 13th of June, 2016) by The Book Sellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI), at Theevu Thidal is a bigger one with lot of publishers and stalls. But the discount is just 10% and also there are fewer shops selling second-hand books meaning lesser chance of getting rare collectable books. It is almost like a commercial exhibition instead of a book fair. More stalls for CDs, Magazine subscriptions, magic/arts/crafts kits and so on. Though I was able to get some good books, I was disappointed as some popular titles I searched for were not available! There is a train ride for kids and a large food court (again who cares?!?) available. Compared to previous two book fairs of this year, I have purchased lesser number of books. Stalls by New Century Book House, Bharathi Puthagalayam, Books for Children, Keelaikatru, Periyar Self Respect, Tamil Semmozhi Research Center (Government's) are some of the stalls I liked the most.

Overall, this year is a good year for bibliophiles in Chennai. Those who have missed Chennai Puthaga Sangam's book fair at Periyar Thidal may regret after visiting current BAPASI book fair. What to do? Let us hope Chennai Puthaga Sangam will conduct a bigger and better book fair next year! Thankfully I have hoarded my shelves with books for next 6 to 12 months! Happy Reading!!!

Swine Flu Vaccination

There is an unwanted panic about swine flu among the public. But still, if you want to make sure your you or your beloveds will not be touched by these virus, please visit King's Institute near Guindy railway station for vaccination. This is where they provide subsidized vaccines and the vaccine's effectiveness and safety are guaranteed.

Don't buy in to advertisements like herbal cure, yoga therapy etc. There are some groups spreading false messages like this to milk some cash out of people's fear. So only go with what Government or approved medical practitioners advise. Don't take risks by listening to unauthorized sources. They may or may not work well and may have adverse effects.

So far, the disease seems not so bad. For example, in Germany, there are thousands of confirmed infections, but no deaths. I am not downplaying the risk. But don't worry much. Our tropical climate and hot weather can make the spread difficult for the virus. Let us hope for the best.