The topic "Did Malayali  grow by reading books" was dissected at length and breadth by the literary scholars Sunil P Ilayidom and P K Rajasekharan at  the  MBIFL session.

Ilayidom started by saying that we have completed 200 years of Malayalam Book publishing  from Kerala. And so too is the history of reading. A book is set on the basement of human life  and hence writers are  respected and valued .

P K Rajasekharan observed that  writers are valued and respected but the publisher and the audience who create the writers aren't recognised. He found this to be an interesting thought to reflect upon.

He said, "a book is the extension of the pain , tears and capitulation of the writer. The 'shabdatharavali' was prepared in 20 years  by Sreekanteshwaram Padmanabha Pillai . In the book , meanings of all the Malayalam words are given except 'sukham' as the writer never experienced it in his life time . We will dedicate this discussion in memory of those writers who died poor. "
 
Ilayidom observed that in his book, "This is not the end of reading", writer Umberto Eco  states that e - books turn his eyes into tennis balls. "

P K Rajasekharan said , "When  in reading,  if the reader is able to go through the transition along with the writing and move into another level with the writer, it will help him  to grow."

Ilayidom pointed out, "Reading broadens  individuals. After reading  Ramanan of Changampuzha , MT Vasudevan Nair  stated , "My mother tongue can gracefully dance".

The translation  of Les Miserables - 'Pavangal'  by Vallathol Narayana Menon was printed after the poet took the risk of pledging all his books at the Mangalodayam press. After this ,Vallathol and his helper carried the books to Pala in Kottayam  and sold them. The history of Malayalam writing and Vallathol's  sacrifice  reminds us that Malayalam reading era is rooted on such simple and truthful writers." 
 
Rajasekharan added , "The commitment and dedication of these  classic writers  to the readers have been commendable. Reading helps us to be empathetic and  to  know the writers perspective of the context. The humanistic approach of people during the floods show that Malayalee has evolved to be better with improvement in reading". 

"Khasakkinte Ithihasam is still a widely bought and read book.Writers Chandu Menon, Thakazhy, Basheer and such great writers are widely read by the present generation too". 

The duo concluded the session  reinstating the fact that Malayalee has grown to be better individuals by reading books.