As the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections draw near, the Tamil Nadu Children Writers and Artists Association has urged major political parties to prioritize children’s arts, literature, and library development in their election agendas. The association, established in 2021 and now operating through 35 branches across the state, aims to foster children’s creativity, imagination, and emotional well-being through exposure to books, storytelling, theatre, and visual arts.
Emphasizing the significance of investing in young minds for the state’s cultural and intellectual future, the organization advocates for policy decisions that place children’s intellectual, ethical, and cultural growth at the forefront of governance. In a detailed “Children’s Arts and Literature Charter of Demands,” the association has put forth various proposals for political parties to consider.
One key recommendation is the organization of an annual children’s book fair in Chennai during the summer holidays, a collaborative effort between the state government and the Publishers’ Association of South India. This initiative is envisioned to promote reading habits, support regional authors, and enhance access to quality children’s literature for families.
The charter also proposes the establishment of an Azha Valliappa Award for children’s literature, akin to esteemed awards like Tiruvalluvar, Bharathiar, and Bharathidasan awards, to honor writers and creators contributing to the field. Additionally, it suggests the formation of an independent Tamil Nadu Children’s Arts and Literature Corporation, to be overseen by an IAS officer, focusing on research, publication support, and the systematic promotion of children’s literature and art forms.
Advocating for the integration of children’s literature into university syllabi, recognition through honorary doctorates, and the appointment of trained librarians in schools, the association envisions school libraries as vibrant, child-friendly spaces supported by storytellers and theatre trainers in government schools. It also calls for the establishment of dedicated children’s libraries and cultural centers in every district, along with regular children-centric programs in district book festivals.
Udhayasankar, the president of the association and a Bal Sahitya Puraskar recipient, revealed that the charter has been submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office and various political parties. Efforts are underway to garner broader support to ensure that children’s cultural development becomes a significant electoral commitment.
