Yearly Archives: 2025

Authors on their first and fondest Chennai Book Fair memories

On most occasions, author and historian AR Venkatachalapathy enjoys interacting with readers who speak their mind about his work. One can find him at the Kalachuvadu book stall at the Chennai Book Fair, being accosted by fans into conversation. He hops book racks, meeting friends — authors, publishers and readers alike. “But sometimes, one runs into people one has been avoiding for a while at an event like this. That is unfortunately an occupational hazard. It clearly cuts both ways,” he says, with a chuckle.
A book fair that began in 1977 and survived a devastating fire and floodsVenkatachalapathy, like several writers from the State, has been a reader at the Chennai Book Fair for several years, before being published as an author with his own work on display here. His relationship with the eventis special and has undergone a sea of change. One thing has remained consistent though.

Visitors looks on books at the Chennai Book Fair 2025 in Nandanam.
| Photo Credit:
VELANKANNI RAJ B
The Chennai Book Fair (ending on January 12), usually conducted in January before Pongal, as the last of Chennai’s short-lived winter fades, remains a celebration of the written word. It is where authors can be seen lounging, joking, laughing, sipping on cups of tea, and being accessible to readers who often think the world of them. “There is this big mystery and aura around writers because there aren’t many public spaces to meet them. During my trips to the event as a young scholar back in the mid 2000s, the book fair made me realise that authors were people too who would pull each others’ leg and be casual, just like you and me. It transformed into a public space where I could not just interact but also speak to them, forming long friendships,” says author Stalin Rajangam who often writes about the Dalit identity and Tamil cinema in captivating, incisive essays and books.

Writer AR Venkatachalapathy at the Chennai Book Fair.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Venkatachalapathy recounts that his first trip to the event was back in 1982 (the first fair was in 1977), held at the Horticulture Society grounds (near Woodlands Drive-In). The event, usually full of English books, was quiet and desolate. “It was like a lovers’ lane. People would rarely frequent the grounds. There were hardly any Tamil publishers back then,” he says. Over the years, the fair switched many locations including Quaid-E-Millath Government College for Women, Woodlands Drive-in, and St George’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School before finally zero-ing on the YMCA grounds. 
A cookery book from a Sahitya Akademi winner explores traditional recipes of Nanjil Nadu “It was only during the turn of the millennia that Tamil books began gaining prominence as more publishers began entering this market. The festival grew exponentially in the 2000s as huge shamianas were erected. The previous editions of the event would be uncovered. We’d have to hike up to Woodlands for a small tea. Now, there are stalls outside and attention from the Government, increasing the scale,” he says.

Sennilam book Author Jeyarani at Book Fair 2025.
| Photo Credit:
VELANKANNI RAJ B
Writer-journalist Jeyarani, whose latest fiction work Sennilam has been selling like hotcakes at the event, says she first went in 2005. She would exclusively pick up non-fiction books, particularly books on caste, history and philosophy back then. “As a journalist, I would proudly claim to be an exclusive non-fiction writer and would never be able to relate when others would tell me of the freedom that comes with fiction. Now though, I am able to ensure that protagonists and other characters who often meet unfortunate fateful ends in real life, can be saved. They can survive, fight and thrive. I enjoy it. My readers are curious about this new era of mine and I am enjoying interacting with them about it,” she says.
Lesson from Japan: A model for a hero in Indian textbooksStalin says that the book fair has also seen a fair share of controversies. When his first book Theendapadadha Noolgal was released by Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol Thirumavalavan, actor-politician Kushboo was on the same stage. “The VCK cadre raised slogans against the actor and the event ended up making news. Because it was at my book’s release event, the work gained attention,” he says. He adds that publishers intended to cash in on this attention and began releasing books exclusively for the book fair. People hence look forward to new releases and conversations on the subject of these novels .

Writer Geeta Ilangovan
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Some writers however, say that they never anticipated the pivot to writing at any point in their career. All the glitz, is hence, a surprise to them. Writer Geeta Ilangovan, whose book Dupatta Podunga Tozhi has been popular for three editions in a row, says that several women come up to her and update her on their acts of rebellion and everyday feminism. “It feels so strange and wholesome to know that I am being read and as many people have thoughts. On social media, we interact with people from across the world who have reviews on our work. In person though, it is wonderful, surprising and personal,” she says. “One reader came up to me and told me that she cut her hair because of one of the essays in the book. We spent time chatting about her new look. Can the internet replace these kind of interactions?” she asks. Published – January 08, 2025 04:05 pm IST
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8 must-read books to learn the art of reclaiming time

Time is the one asset that is equally distributed among all of us, yet it often feels like there’s just not enough of it. As 2025 begins, the opportunity to start fresh urges us to evaluate how we allocate our hours. Are you stuck in a never-ending cycle of work, struggling to balance personal growth and relaxation? Or are you searching for ways to simplify your life while still achieving your goals? The solutions might just be found within the pages of a well-chosen book.This list features eight impactful books, each offering practical strategies and profound insights to help you take back control of your time. Whether you’re a business professional, a parent, or simply someone seeking balance, these books have something to offer.8 books that can help you reclaim time1. Atomic Habits by James ClearAtomic Habits unpacks the science of building habits and demonstrates how small, incremental behavioural changes can yield massive results. James Clear outlines easy-to-follow techniques to eliminate bad habits, create positive ones, and sustain them long-term.Why read it: If you’ve ever struggled to maintain your goals or stick to a productive routine, this book provides a clear, actionable guide to establishing habits that save time and enhance productivity.2. The 4-hour Workweek by Tim FerrissTim Ferriss flips the traditional work model on its head, teaching readers how to achieve more by working less. By using strategies like outsourcing, automation, and selective prioritisation, the book shows you how to redesign your work-life balance.Why read it: Feeling stuck in the grind? The 4-hour Workweek offers a revolutionary approach to escaping the cycle of overwork and reclaiming your time for the things you value most.3. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeownEssentialism focuses on the idea of simplifying life by concentrating only on what truly matters. Greg McKeown provides strategies to cut out distractions and unnecessary commitments, helping you make better use of your energy and time.Why read it: Overwhelmed with too many responsibilities? This book is a reminder that doing less can often lead to accomplishing more, making it a must-read for those looking to focus on meaningful goals.4. Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day by Jake Knapp and John ZeratskyMake Time offers practical techniques for carving out time for meaningful activities amidst the constant distractions of modern life. It includes tips for designing a focused schedule and adopting habits that bring joy and productivity.Why read it: In a world filled with endless distractions, this book helps you regain control over your time and live more intentionally by focusing on what truly matters.5. Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal NewportDeep Work emphasises the importance of cultivating deep, uninterrupted focus to excel in a world filled with distractions. Cal Newport provides actionable methods to strengthen your ability to concentrate and maximise output.Why read it: If you want to produce high-quality work in less time, this book equips you with tools to master focus and eliminate inefficiencies.6. Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver BurkemanThis book offers a profound take on time management by highlighting the brevity of life. Burkeman encourages readers to accept life’s limitations and focus on what truly matters rather than trying to do it all.Why read it: If you’re feeling pressured to be everything to everyone, Four Thousand Weeks teaches you how to embrace mindfulness and set realistic priorities.7. The Productivity Project by Chris BaileyAfter dedicating a year to testing productivity methods, Chris Bailey shares the most effective strategies for managing time, energy, and focus. This book combines scientific research with personal experiments to offer practical advice.Why read it: For anyone seeking real-world tips to achieve more while staying energised and avoiding burnout, The Productivity Project is a treasure trove of insights.8. Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal NewportDigital Minimalism explores the impact of digital distractions on our time and attention. Newport presents a philosophy for reducing screen time and adopting a more intentional approach to technology use.Why read it: If you feel like technology has taken over your life, this book shows you how to regain control, build healthier habits, and focus on meaningful activities.ConclusionReclaiming your time is not about packing more into your schedule; it’s about dedicating your energy to what truly matters. These eight books offer a blend of actionable advice and thought-provoking ideas to help you approach 2025 with clarity, focus, and intention.

Do it Today by Darius Foroux: 5 life lessons from the book

Ever feel like you’re constantly putting things off? Like there’s always tomorrow to start that project, pursue your passion, or finally tackle that daunting to-do list? You’re not alone. Procrastination is a habit many of us struggle with, often leaving us stuck in a cycle of delay and regret.Enter Do It Today by Darius Foroux – a book that feels like a supportive friend giving you a nudge toward action. Unlike most productivity books that overwhelm you with rigid systems, this one offers practical, straightforward advice to help you stop procrastinating and start living intentionally.Foroux doesn’t just focus on getting more done; he goes deeper, teaching readers how to align their daily habits with their long-term goals. His insights are relatable, easy to apply, and, most importantly, empowering. Whether you’re looking to overcome procrastination, make better use of your time, or finally take action on your dreams, the lessons in this book will resonate deeply.5 life-changing lessons from the book Do It TodayHere are five life-changing lessons from Do It Today that can inspire you to start making meaningful changes—right now.1. Your actions shape your identityForoux emphasises that every small action you take contributes to the person you’re becoming. Instead of waiting for motivation, act now, even in small ways. For example, if you want to be a writer, write daily—even if it’s just one sentence. Your consistent actions will solidify your identity and create momentum.Key takeaway: Stop waiting for the “right time” to start. Take action today to become the person you want to be.2. Eliminate unnecessary decisionsDecision fatigue is real, and it’s one of the biggest culprits behind procrastination. Foroux suggests simplifying your life by creating routines and minimising trivial decisions. For instance, decide your breakfast the night before or set a specific time for focused work daily.Key takeaway: Save your mental energy for meaningful work by eliminating unimportant decisions.3. Progress beats perfectionMany people delay taking action because they fear failure or not doing things perfectly. Foroux reminds us that progress, however small, is more valuable than aiming for perfection. Imperfections teach us lessons, while procrastination keeps us stuck.Key takeaway: Focus on progress. Perfection will follow naturally as you improve with time and effort.4. Procrastination is a habit, not a personality traitForoux argues that procrastination isn’t part of who you are—it’s simply a habit you’ve developed. And like any habit, it can be replaced with a better one. Identify your triggers, replace distractions with productive habits, and hold yourself accountable.Key takeaway: You have the power to unlearn procrastination. Treat it as a habit you can change, not an unchangeable flaw.5. Time is your greatest assetThe book emphasises the irreplaceable value of time. Foroux encourages readers to think about their time as an investment. Spend it wisely on activities that bring fulfillment and align with your goals, rather than on distractions.Key takeaway: Use your time intentionally. Every wasted moment is a missed opportunity to build the life you want.Do It Today by Darius Foroux is more than just a guide to tackling procrastination; it’s a blueprint for intentional living. Each lesson pushes you to reflect on how you use your time and the choices you make daily. By implementing these lessons, you can move closer to the life you’ve always envisioned—starting today.So, why wait? Begin your transformation now. As Foroux says, “Don’t wait for tomorrow to do what you can do today.”

SA green ID book to be declared invalid end of 2025: Home Affairs

The Home Affairs Department says it will declare the green identity documents invalid from the end of this year.
It says it’s trying to eliminate the risk of corruption and fraud, including identity theft.
The department wants all South Africans to replace their green ID books with smart cards which are more secure.
The department’s Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza says this is the programme that started in 2013 because the smart-coded ID is more secure than the green bar-coded ID.
“The green bar-coded ID is subject to identity theft and also credit fraud which we have seen being prevalent. It can also be a source of duplicate cases and that is why we are asking everyone who is on the green-barcoded ID to move to a smart ID card. Very soon before the end of the year, we anticipate that we will have stopped issuing out green bar-coded IDs.”
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Book Review: Son of Formosa

Son of Formosa is a four-volume graphic novel that chronicles the 91 years of Tsai Kun-lin (1930-2021), a victim of Taiwan’s “White Terror” era. Created by renowned Taiwanese children’s literature author and researcher You Pei-yun and illustrator Chou Chien-hsin, the work explores how political, social, and international forces profoundly impacted individual lives, as seen through…