The five-day Book Exhibition and Sale Fair, jointly organized by the Library and Information Centre of St Philomena College, Puttur and Navakarnataka Publications, Mangaluru, as part of National Library Week 2025, concluded on November 7 with a valedictory ceremony held at the Silver Jubilee Memorial Hall of the college.

The event was presided over by Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, Principal of the College.  Vice Principal Dr Vijayakumar Moleyar, Representatives of Navakarnataka Publications Mr Suresh and Mr Vijay Kumar were present during the occasion.

In his presidential address, Rev. Dr Monteiro emphasized the importance of preserving the culture of reading in the digital age. “Book exhibitions and sales are festivals of reading, understanding, and inspiration,” he remarked. “In this era where people are increasingly becoming enslaved to mobile screens, the number of readers is dwindling. While embracing modernity, let us not forget the books that are the sources of knowledge. Experience and enjoy the habit of reading,” he urged.

Speaking on behalf of Navakarnataka Publications, Mr Suresh expressed satisfaction over the successful conduct of the event. “The exhibition was held for five days and received an overwhelming response from students, teachers, and the general public. Such book exhibitions are essential in the present context, and with the cooperation of the college, it became possible. These five days offered an opportunity to interact with readers and experience their enthusiasm for literature,” he noted.

The exhibition featured around 8,000 books covering diverse fields such as literature, science, commerce and management, technology, and general knowledge, all offered at discounted prices. A large number of books were sold during the event.

Prominent personalities who graced the occasion included former Vice Principals Prof Ramakrishna Pervaje, Prof. S. I. Bhat, Prof. Vishnu Bhat, Dr A. P. Radhakrishna, Prof. Ganesh Bhatt, Dr Krishna Kumar; retired faculty members Prof. Harinarayana Madavu, Dr Prasanna Rai, Prof. Subair; retired Vivekananda College Prof. V. B. Arthikaje; noted litterateur I. K. Bolwar; Government Women’s College Librarian Dr Ravichandra; and advocate Suryanarayana N. K.

The program saw the participation of about 3,000 book lovers, including faculty members, Library Advisory Committee members, Student Council representatives, undergraduate and postgraduate students, pre-university students, and members of the public.

The proceedings were compered by Mrs Shreemani, lecturer at the college. The welcome address was delivered by Mr Abdul Rehman G., Selection Grade Librarian, while Mr Manohar, Librarian of the postgraduate section, proposed the vote of thanks.