An evening on Bharati at The Hindu Lit For Life-Tales and Talks session

Immerse in silent reading at Anna Nagar Tower Park during The Hindu Lit For Life event with Bessy Reads.

The open gallery at Anna Nagar Tower Park was packed with readers absorbed in silent reading as part of The Hindu Lit For Life - Tales and Talks event in association with Bessy Reads on Saturday.

Readers were immersed in books of all kinds, from children’s literature to sci-fi and fantasy. Among the attendees was a 9th grade student, Tejashwini who arrived with her parents holding a copy of ‘Subramania Bharati Writings in The Hindu’.

Niveditha N, a doctor by profession who joined the silent reading session said, “This is the first time I am attending a silent reading event, and it is exciting that it concludes with a talk by a writer.” Sivagnana Desikan, a Joint General manager who attended the event shared that his reading interests aligned well with the event’s theme.

As the reading session drew to a close, writer-journalist Kadarkarai Maththavilasa Angadam began his talk on Subramania Bharati, exploring the life of the Tamil poet as an independent thinker, beyond one’s familiarity about the poet. “Bharati appeals to readers of every age, from children to teenagers, young adults concerned with social responsibility, to those seeking love, devotion, and even those deeply patriotic about the nation. This poet is for everyone,” he explained.

For a deeper understanding of the poet’s life, Mr Kadarkarai conducted decades of research, travelling to Ettayapuram, learning about the essays written on the poet. This journey on learning led Mr. Kadarkarai publish Bharati Vijayam, a book that he discussed during the talk. The session continued well into the evening with the dedicated audience, leaning forward from the back of the gallery, asking one question after another about Subramania Bharati, immersed in curiosity and conversations.

The Hindu Lit For Life is organised in association with Christ University, associate partners: RR Donnelley, Blue Star, Uttarakhand Tourism and Bookstore partner: Crossword. Tales and Talks was done in partnership with Bessy Reads. To register for The Hindu Lit For Life, visit https://newsth.live/LFL2025ED or scan the QR code.