A Karate master passionate about reading

Kannur: Benny Sebastian, a migrant farmer in Udayagiri, is a fifth dan black belt holder in Karate. Along with farming and Karate, he is also passionate about reading. He is particular about creating readers' forum and organising literary workshops in all places where he goes to give Karate training.

Benny runs Karate schools apart from managing rubber tapping in 4-acre land, collecting coconuts, making copra and other works. Benny started reading books 40 years ago when he was a pre-degree student.

Benny regularly reads Mathrubhumi weekly and searches for books reviewed in it. Though he joined BA Politics correspondence course, he boycotted exams and continued reading only. First he used to take books from libraries only. After he got a job, he started buying books.

During Covid times, Benny bought books worth Rs 30,000. During the Covid lockdown, Benny also started a YouTube channel to share his reading experiences and a Facebook page too.

"When there is heavy rain, I read for upto 15 hours a day and write short notes on every book. After several years, I read these notes again," he said.

Since 2016, Benny has been observing World Book Day on April 23, which is also the death anniversary of Shakespeare and Cervantes, in his Karate school. He also celebrates World Children's Book day in the school. 

Benny started a district level group named 'Puthupadham' for new readers in 2018. He organised the events with the help of Therthalli Apollo, Kanjirakkolli Janashakthi Library, Mankara library, and Azhikodan library in Anthoor.