The Neyveli Book Fair 2025 continues to draw crowds on its fifth day today, with many schools and institutions visiting the Book Fair with a lot of enthusiasm. The 180 book stalls with varied titles and subjects are a source of attraction for students and the public. The evening’s function was held at the Lignite Hall today, on 08.06.25 at the Book Fair grounds. Ms Santosh Agarwal, Dy. Director General, Ministry of Coal was the Chief Guest of the function while Matriprasad, Secretary, Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry and Gautham Chikermane, Author & Vice-President, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi were the Guests of Honour. Dr. Prasanna Kumar Acharya, Director/Finance, NLC India Limited, presided over the function. In her address, Ms. Santosh Agarwal, DDG, MoC, expressed her appreciation to NLC India Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking, for not only powering the Nation, but also fostering intellectual development and cultivating a thinking society by organising Book Fairs. Calling the visit to the Book Fair an enriching experience, she wished this initiative all success. Dr Prasanna Kumar Acharya, Director (Finance), NLC India Limited and Patron of Neyveli Book Fair 2025, in his Presidential address, remarked that books serve as guiding lights, leading individuals from ignorance to enlightment. He emphasised that reading the right book at the right moment can be a transformative experience often shaping the course of one’s life. He further noted that literary platforms such as the Neyveli Book Fair not only cultivate a culture of reading but also serve as catalysts for uncovering latent talent and intellectual potential.  Matriprasad shared a compelling reflection on the importance of literature in combating isolation, citing a World Health Organisation report which stated that approximately 100 people die each day due to loneliness. “One who keeps the company of books is never truly alone”, he noted. Drawing on classical wisdom, he quoted Cicero: “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” He commended NLCIL’s noble efforts in hosting Book Fairs that uplift minds and inspire meaningful engagement with knowledge. Delivering his thoughts, Guest of Honour Gautham Chikermane, Vice-President, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi, highlighted the evolving nature of knowledge in the digital era. He observed that today, knowledge is increasingly acquired through digital mediums rather than traditional books. Acknowledging this shift, he emphasised the importance of adapting to new modes of learning while preserving the essence of intellectual pursuit. The event also witnessed the honouring of Mrs Rinnozah Krishnakumar, a distinguished author and M/s. Keezhaikaatru Veliyeettagam, a prominient Publishing House from Chennai in recognition of their contributions to literature and publishing. Two notable literary works were released: “Irusamma” by Pallavi Kumar and “Sampoorna Ramayanam – Nadagam” by Dr. Raththina Pugazhendhi.