MK hands over Rs 1 cr cheque to BAPASI

Chennai, Jan 12 (UNI) A day after making the announcement, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi kept his promise and handed over a cheque for Rs one crore out of his personal funds to the Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI) to honour five writers every year.

The cheque was handed over to the BAPASI President Gandhi Kannadasan when he and the office bearers called on Mr Karunanidhi at the DMK Headquarters 'Anna Arivalayam' yesterday.

The funds were given from ''Kalaignar Karunanidhi Charitable Trust,'' formed by him out of his wife's share of money obtained from divesting shares in the Sun TV network.

Five authors could be honoured every year with an award of Rs one lakh each from the interest accrued, he had said.

These awards could be given to best authors of books dealing with social reforms, knowledge and constructive approach to shape up the younger generation for the future, he added.

Mr Karunanidhi announced the contribution while inaugurating the 30th edition of the Book Fair here on Wednesday.

UNI