Chinese ‘librarian’ robot Bhaviyshya steals show at 41st book fair

The star of the event — organised by the Booksellers’ and Publishers’ Association of South India — was undoubtedly the robot Bhaviyshya, placed at the entrance to guide visitors entering the fair. Imported from Shenzen in China, Bhaviyshya helps people find specific books or publishers as well as glance through the roster available at 708 stalls which includes special ones for the visually impaired.

As excited kids and adults vied to get a glimpse of the robot, Vijayashree from Robotix Lab Research Academy said, “It’s a ‘she’. She can talk, respond to voice as well as text messages. We are delighted to collaborate with BAPASI for this first-of-its kind initiative to enhance the reader’s experience.” With 376 participants (236 in Tamil, 102 in English, 14 listed under Multimedia and 24 under General categories), the fair is home to many regulars who have been coming here year after year.

Sahitya Akademy, University of Madras, World Tamil research Center, Oxford University Press and Gandhian Literary Society are just some of the many participants.

Padmanabhan, stall manager of Higginbothams says that there is a ten per cent discount for everyone.

“The response is always terrific here. We have people of all ages come in. Just a few minutes ago, a group of new mothers were asking me for books on maternity.

We have almost 50,000 books here for this year’s edition.” Minister for School Education K.A. Sengottaiyan, industrialists Nalli Kuppusamy Chetty and MAMR Muthaiah inaugurated the event, which this year, seems to focus heavily on edutainment.

“There are plenty of stalls that focus heavily on books for children that focus on education while entertaining them. I came here with my brother and a bunch of school kids, and they have been engrossed all evening.” said SP Shivapriya, a college student.