On the fourth day of the Neyveli Book Fair 2025, Cuddalore District Collector Sibi Adithya Senthil Kumar, a 2016 batch IAS officer, made a landmark cultural announcement: by next year, Cuddalore district will be home to one of the largest libraries in the state. The declaration was made on July 7 at Lignite Hall, drawing widespread appreciation from students, educators, and attendees of the ongoing 24th edition of the fair.
Organized annually by NLC India Limited (NLCIL), the Neyveli Book Fair has become a beacon of community learning and literacy. Addressing the audience at the evening function, Collector Sibi Adithya lauded NLCIL’s unwavering commitment to hosting the fair for 24 years and highlighted it as a symbol of social growth through knowledge. He affirmed that the Tamil Nadu government has officially approved the major library project for Cuddalore and expressed confidence in its transformative impact.
M. Venkatachalam, Director (Power) of NLCIL, presided over the day’s events and emphasized the timeless importance of learning. Quoting Chanakya’s Arthasastra, he stated, “Knowledge is the most powerful tool for any individual,” encouraging young students to embrace reading from an early age.
Since opening on July 4, the book fair has seen vibrant participation from students, teachers, NLCIL employees, and residents from across Cuddalore district. The event continues to serve as a celebration of literature, learning, and local engagement.
The inaugural ceremony was held virtually alongside the International Conference on Sustainable and Responsible Mining in Hyderabad, where Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, commended NLCIL’s role in nurturing reading habits and aligning with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The proposed library in Cuddalore is set to become a cornerstone of educational and cultural development—offering access to a wide range of books, digital resources, and learning tools for students, scholars, and the public. The state government’s backing, coupled with NLCIL’s longstanding commitment to literacy, positions Cuddalore as an emerging hub for intellectual and cultural enrichment.
About NLC India Limited: NLC India Limited is a Navratna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, it is a pioneer in lignite mining and thermal power generation nationwide.
