During the festive spirit of Pongal in Chennai, Saba Agency marked its first-ever presence at the fourth edition of the Chennai Publishing Fellowship Program, held alongside the Chennai International Book Fair 2026, from January 16–18, 2026, at Kalaivanar Arangam.
This event was held at a deeply difficult moment for us. Iran was going through a time of turmoil, and tragic events were unfolding back home. Carrying this emotional weight was not easy—but the warmth of the fellowship, the generosity of fellow publishing professionals, and the genuine empathy we received throughout the program gave us the strength to stay present and engaged until the very end.
Chennai itself embraced us with open arms. Compared to New Delhi, the city felt noticeably warmer—both in climate and in spirit. That warmth became the backdrop for a fellowship that stood out in many ways.
Highlights of the Fellowship
One of the most striking aspects of this edition was its extraordinary diversity. Fellows joined from 102 countries, marking a remarkable growth from just 24 countries in the previous edition. This expansion brought a refreshing mix of new voices and perspectives, making the experience distinctly different from other publishing fellowship programs we have attended—and made this first participation even more meaningful for us.
The organization of the program was impeccable. From airport pickup to daily transfers to and from the venue, every detail was thoughtfully handled. A representative of the program was available at the hotel at all times, ensuring that fellows felt supported and cared for throughout their stay.
We were also deeply inspired by the speech of Banu Mushtaq—writer, activist, and Booker Prize winner 2025—whose words resonated strongly with many of us, especially in light of the global and personal challenges we carry into our lives.
The fellowship was enriched by cultural activities that truly celebrated Tamil Nadu’s heritage: vibrant dance and music performances, paired with an abundance of delicious local food, created moments of joy and connection beyond professional conversations.
Another highlight was the presence of a dedicated group of young and enthusiastic volunteers, young university students, who accompanied the fellows throughout the program. Their support—especially in facilitating meetings and assisting with MOUs—was invaluable and deeply appreciated.
Looking Ahead
During the fellowship, we signed several MOUs and are currently in discussions with Tamil publishers and agents to turn these initial understandings into concrete agreements. For Saba Agency, this first presence in Chennai has opened new and promising paths, and we are excited about the collaborations ahead.
Gratitude
Our heartfelt thanks go to the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Honourable Ministers of School Education for inviting us to be part of this cultural and professional phenomenon.
A very special thank-you to the one and only Mohamed Ali, our go-to person for everything and anything before and throughout the program, and to my dear friend Amutharasan Paulraj for his bright smile, constant warmth, and welcoming presence.
Chennai reminded us that even in the hardest times, solidarity, culture, and the shared love of books can carry us forward.
