COIMBATORE: Coimbatore has hosted many a book fair, for book lovers as well as for specific target groups. But, here is one that can be used by one and all. They can be men and women from any age group. They can belong to any religious denomination or can be those who do not follow any faith. It is the book fair on “Ethical Values” organised by the Anuvrat Samiti, an organ of the Anuvrat Mahasamiti, New Delhi.

There are 43 stalls showcasing books, magazines, journals and CDs bearing contents of various religions, thinkers and scientists. All are giving recipes for living a happy and contented life based on ethics, according to the organisers.

True to the theme, there is something for every age group. There are spiritual books for the deeply religious, while there are those giving tips for the young and forward thinking to become successful in life. The common thread running through the literature is ethics.

Unique

“This is a unique book fair where like-minded people are participating. The focus is on non-violence and living a life of character. We have conducted similar exhibitions elsewhere in India and they have been very successful. This is the first time we are putting up such a fair in Tamil Nadu. We are hoping for a good response,” says Nirmal M. Ranka, president of the Anuvrat Mahasamiti.

While there are books from the Sri Ramakrishna Mission, Chinmaya Mission and the IFT-Islamic Foundation, there are also books on Krishnamurthi, Vivekananda, Osho, the Isha Yoga Foundation, and the Makkal Sinthanai Peravai, Erode. There are many other publishers who have displayed their wares.

According to T. Sampath Kumar, Co-Chairman, Book Fair Committee, the participation for the fair has been “very spontaneous and encouraging. We have approached a cross-section of people. Besides the public, we are expecting a large number of students. Since it has been well received by many, we are planning to make this an annual event”.

Visiting the fair, Pyarelal Pitaliya, Member of the Minority Commission, Government of Tamil Nadu, made a contribution of Rs. 50,000 to set up a corpus fund to continue the effort by the book fair committee.

B.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, Chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Coimbatore Kendra, inaugurating the fair, said: “Without spiritualism, knowledge and science can become disastrous. It is essential to balance both. India, as a pluralistic society, is filled with intrinsic spiritualism.”

There are students from the Department of Psychology, Avinashilingam University for Women, to offer counselling to those who suffer from problems of stress, insomnia and depression – all related to the lifestyle of those studying or working in the present competitive environment. Visitors can get a dose of yoga, exercises and relaxation therapy – all aimed at enhancing a person's general well-being.

The fair is on at Terapanth Jain Bhavan, A.K.S. Nagar, Gandhi Park, till March 8 and is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Courtesy - Hindu