After the Chennai book fair which was held from December 27-January 12 for 17 days, the Chennai International Book Fair (CIBF) was announced. The 48th book fair brought the essence of innovation and cultural collaboration to the American Center Booth. Highlighting transformative resources, educational opportunities, and fostering Indo-U.S. changemakers, the stall offered an enriching experience for students, scholars, and visitors alike. The much-anticipated CIBF has brought the celebration of books and culture to Tamil Nadu this January. Held from January 16 to January 18 at the renowned Chennai Trade Center in Nandambakkam, this event showcased a mix of global literary diversity and Tamil heritage.
A Grand Inauguration and Global Participation
This year's fair was inaugurated by Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi. The fair welcomed representatives from nearly 65 countries, solidifying its reputation as one of Asia’s most dynamic literary events. The Bologna Children’s Book Fair, Italy, served as the Guest of Honour for 2025, underlining the emphasis on children’s and young adult literature.
The Minister, alongside leading literary figures, expressed his excitement about the exponential growth of the event. “In its first year, 24 countries participated, with 355 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed. Last year, the number swelled to 40 countries and 750 MoUs. Now, in 2025, with over 1,000 MoUs expected, CIBF proves that Tamil Nadu is truly taking Tamil literature to global audiences,” he said.
Milestones in Translation and Connectivity
CIBF 2025 set a new benchmark with the Tamil Nadu Translation Grant, which this year supported the translation of 166 Tamil books into 32 different languages. From children’s literature to contemporary works, the aim of this program is clear: to make Tamil literature accessible to readers worldwide while bringing international works into Tamil for the local audience.
The brand-new Rights Hub, an essential part of the Chennai International Book Fair this year, acted as a meeting point for publishers, literary agents, and translators. It fostered partnerships, publishing contracts, and opportunities for more translations. This initiative came with a dedicated Literary Agent Program, which has trained 35 young agents to connect Tamil authors and global publishers effectively.
Special Initiatives and Landmark Achievements
The Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation, a principal organizer of CIBF, introduced several innovative steps for this year, including translation grants of up to ₹2.5 lakh per book. Children’s books by the Tamil Nadu Textbook Corporation also caught international attention, with the African Publishers Network planning translations into African and English languages. Additionally, books translated into French were also a significant draw for Francophone countries.
Chief Minister M. K. Stalin presided over key events, including releasing 30 translated books completed under the Tamil Nadu Translation Grant program in recent years. Reflecting on the event’s achievements, Chief Minister Stalin noted that the Chennai International Book Fair is steadily climbing to join the ranks of the world's top five literary fairs. He stated, “Through initiatives like this, we are showing the world that Tamil Nadu is the cultural and literary capital of India.”
Workshops, Panels, and Networking
Alongside book stalls, the fair hosted various enriching sessions, such as interactive workshops, panel discussions, and seminars. Topics ranged from exploring trends in children’s literature to understanding the scope of digital publishing and cross-cultural literary collaborations. These discussions attracted eminent speakers, including Nobel and Booker Prize winners, establishing CIBF as a space for profound literary exchanges.
A Vision for the Future
CIBF 2025 also served as a reminder of the significance of Tamil as a classical language with 2,500 years of history. The government of Tamil Nadu, through focused efforts like the CIBF Fellowship and Ambassador Awards, ensures that the legacy of Tamil literature endures globally. The event is also a cost-free zone for its participants, with no fees for booths or rights negotiations, setting it apart as a welcoming forum for global literary dialogue.
With ambitions to connect the East and West of Asia while championing Tamil heritage, the Chennai International Book Fair 2025 envisions a path to even greater accomplishments. As Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin aptly stated, “CIBF is not only a literary fair but also a cultural renaissance.”
Mark your calendars for the next edition of this literary extravaganza. The Chennai International Book Fair is not an event to miss — it's a movement to deepen and celebrate connections, words, and ideas worldwide
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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