State lit fest in north Chennai from Dec 18

Chennai: More than 150 students from north Chennai will showcase their writing, debating, and speaking prowess at the literature festival organised by the directorate of public libraries (DPL).The students were chosen through contests held last month at four colleges in north Chennai under the state-wide ‘Ilakkiya Thiruvizha' initiative. In addition, literary training was held for 200 college students across Chennai and nearby districts. Among them, 72 were selected to take part in debates during the fest, said district library officer M Kavitha. These 222 students will debate with prominent literaturists and speak on various topics, including Sangam literature, Tamil tradition, and literature during the fest on Dec 18, 19, and 20. The Ilakkiya Thiruvizha is an annual event featuring literary contests. This year, writers and lyricists-poets such as Uma Devi, Manushyaputhran, Karan Karki, and Kutti Revathi will participate in the event. The top three winners from north Chennai colleges will receive a cash award of 5,000, 2,000, and 1,000 and certificates at the event. The students, including 72 trainees, will also receive a felicitation certificate. "The initiative provides a platform for college students and youth to show their literary talents. It also helps them connect with important stakeholders in the field," said DPL joint director Elango Chandra Kumar.