IIM Kozhikode and Airports Authority of India Join Hands to Boost Calicut’s UNSECO City of Literature Tag – Open Free Reading Lounge at Calicut Airport!

Kozhikode :  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’, here at the Calicut International Airport today.

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.

Sharing the idea behind ‘Gyan Pankh’ Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director IIM Kozhikode said “Kozhikode city has a rich literature history and the recent UNESCO City of Literature tag highlights how this quintessential town values reading and creating the wealth of wisdom. Reading books enhances critical thinking skills and gives wings to the next big ideas. IIM Kozhikode and AAI want to inspire the next generation of readers to discover the richness of knowledge through this unique initiative. By structuring deep reading skills in this digital age, readers can have the best of both the worlds. IIM Kozhikode is committed to make public reading into a literary movement and enhance Kozhikode’s growing global stature.”

AAI, Calicut Airport Director Mr. Seshadrivasam Suresh, in his address added “It is indeed heartening to note that IIM Kozhikode in association with AAI Calicut International Airport is providing this innovative facility for the free use of domestic travelers by providing reading lounge named ‘Gyan Pankh’ before boarding the flight. Let’s join together in this collaborative effort of IIM-K and AAI in making reading a habit. He also informed that AAI, Calicut Airport is also carrying out a reconfiguration of Terminal Building which includes Domestic Security Hold Area. The Gyan Pankh can move to the bigger SHA once it’s ready. IIM Kozhikode Library and Information Centre (LIC), one of the leading academic libraries in the country will be executing the project on behalf of the premium B-School. Dr Appasaheb Naikal, Librarian, IIMK LIC, shed further light on how Gyan Pankh is a unique experiment in free reading in public space, as it has been customized taking into account the needs of the flyer, who will be on the move. The multi-language collection, across genres has been handpicked for a lighter reading experience. From toddlers, to young adults to senior citizens the lounge has books for all. Accessible Shelves, comfortable low-height cushioned chairs and tables are the other features of the lounge. The wall Mural of Gyan Pankh Reading Lounge captures and celebrates the iconic landmarks of the city along with some of the literary legends who have a deep connection with Kozhikode – MT Vasudevan Nair, Muhammad Basheer, P. Valsala and SK Pottekkatt. The lounge also has ten commandments listed for readers to cultivate and inspire reading as habit. This unique facility which is accessible 24X7 will be unmanned and will be guided by ‘10 Commandments’ listed in the reading space which also intends to serve as a moral compass for avid readers making use of the facility. IIM Kozhikode will further upgrade the collection to 500 books in the coming weeks.