On Gandhi Jayanti, the Viyyur central jail in Thrissur district in Kerala held a book fair that witnessed inmates purchasing books worth Rs 1.10 lakh. It was the first such book fair held in the prison.
Kerala Sahitya Akademi president Vaisakhan inaugurated the event. The book fair was open from 10 am to 2 in the afternoon. Writer Asokan Charuvil and poet Ravunni, who were also present at the book fair, interacted and spent time with the prisoners.
People from outside were also welcome at the prison book fair. In the span of four hours, books worth over Rs 1 lakh were purchased by prisoners and outsiders alike. Some even donated books to the prison library.
According to prison rules, there are restrictions on inmates for spending money, but they were relaxed for the event. The inmates also made illustrations and other decorations that were in display at the event. Apart from the book fair, there was also an exhibition sale of the artwork and handicraft items made by the prisoners.
