Travelers using the Kozhikode Airport will be in for a surprise as Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode and Airports Authority of India Calicut have come together for a novel initiative. The two leading organizations have started operating a ‘free’ reading lounge at the domestic departure terminal, in a development that is bound to delight avid readers, who love reading on the go. Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director IIM Kozhikode and AAI Calicut Director Mr. Seshadrivasam Suresh jointly inaugurated the Reader’s Lounge named ‘Gyan Pankh’ on 22nd Apir 2024. 

The two institutional partners AAI and IIM Kozhikode have taken this initiative to boost Kozhikode’s image as the only city in India to have been bestowed by UNESCO ‘City of Literature’ tag. ‘Gyan Pankh’, which translates into ‘Wings of Knowledge’,  is also a tribute to the power of timeless wisdom and the initiative will be on a mission to encourage public reading. IIM Kozhikode which has conceptualized this Reader’s Lounge with the support from AAI, has set up a spectacular collection of around 350 books from various categories, across genres and multiple languages. The air-conditioned open premium lounge space provided free-of-cost by AAI Calicut also boasts of cosy reading furniture and spots for a comfortable reading experience for the air-travelers.

IIM Kozhikode and Kozhikode Municipal Corporation Opened the ‘Arivu’ Reading Lounge to Celebrate the City’s UNESCO City of Literature Tag on October 14, 2024, by Dr. Beena Philip, Mayor of Kozhikode, and Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode, in the presence of civic and academic leaders.

The 'Arivu' project, a collaborative initiative of IIM Kozhikode and Kozhikode Municipal Corporation, stands as a shining testament to our city’s unwavering commitment to cultural development. This initiative, with its 'Arivu' Reading Lounge, is a significant step towards fostering a culture of reading and knowledge-sharing in our community.

Following the success of ‘Gyan Pankh,’ a similar initiative at Calicut Airport earlier this year, ‘Arivu’ aims to make reading a public, accessible, and joyous experience.

This initiative reflects a shared commitment to enriching Kozhikode’s literary culture and reinforcing its identity as India’s only UNESCO City of Literature. The lounge, named ‘Arivu,’ meaning ‘Knowledge,’ offers a collection of over 500 books across various genres and languages, with 80% of the collection in Malayalam to encourage vernacular reading. IIM Kozhikode, which conceptualized the space, worked closely with the Corporation to transform the office’s ground floor into a cozy, inviting reading nook, free for the public.

In her presidential speech, Mayor Dr. Beena Philip praised IIM Kozhikode for spearheading this initiative, stating, “Reading should become a movement that brings communities together. Efforts like these breathe life into a city, fostering a love for learning and creating a culture of good citizenship. I encourage all visitors to make use of this wonderful facility.”

Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director IIM Kozhikode emphasized the broader vision behind the lounge: “The true wealth of a nation lies in its knowledge. By creating ‘Arivu’, we aim to spark a literary movement, contributing to Kozhikode’s global reputation as a hub for learning and wisdom. Reading unlocks critical thinking and fuels the imagination, and this partnership is a step toward creating lasting value for the community.”

Dr. Appasaheb Naikal, Librarian at IIM Kozhikode, highlighted the greater purpose of encouraging ‘Reading’ as a habit in the thoughtful design of the lounge, which caters to a broad audience visiting the Kozhikode Corporation Office. The collection has been curated for a lighter, more accessible reading experience, making it enjoyable for everyone. The space is adorned with a mural celebrating the city’s literary giants, including MT Vasudevan Nair, Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, P. Valsala, and SK Pottekkatt. The lounge also features the ‘Ten Commandments of Reading,’ aimed at inspiring good reading habits among visitors.

With "ARIVU," we continue our journey towards enhancing educational outreach and community engagement. IIM Kozhikode is committed to providing world-class education and fostering a culture of learning and intellectual growth within the community.