Chennai: The Rajasthan Youth Association (RYA) on Sunday conducted its 63rd Annual Book Distribution Function, reaffirming its six-decade commitment to supporting higher education by providing free academic textbooks to more than 8,000 students annually across Chennai and neighbouring districts.

The programme, held at the Valluvar Kottam Auditorium, was inaugurated by G. L. Gnanatheva, Minister (Commerce), Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka to South India, as the chief guest. Ashok Kumar Mundhra, Secretary of D.G. Vaishnav College, and Rajesh Surana, Founder and CEO of Med Code Service Inc., attended as guests of honour, while former RYA Book Bank Chairman Gouthamchand Jain was felicitated for his contribution to the initiative.

The event commenced with the rendition of Tamil Thai Valthu and a prayer.

Welcoming the gathering, RYA President Vivek Bomb said the Book Bank Project was founded on the principle that no deserving student should be denied education due to the cost of textbooks.

"What began as a modest initiative has grown into a movement that removes barriers to learning and nurtures the aspirations of thousands of students," he said, adding that the sustained support of members, donors and volunteers has enabled the association to benefit more than 1.60 lakh students over the past 63 years.

Addressing the gathering, G. L. Gnanatheva said education remains one of the most valuable investments in society and praised the association's efforts to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder deserving students from pursuing higher education.

He said the Book Bank Project had empowered thousands of students over the past six decades while strengthening communities through educational support.

Presenting the annual report for 2026-27, Book Bank Chairman Bipin M. Jain said the association provides textbooks for Arts, Science and Engineering courses to college students across Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. He also explained the functioning of the Book Bank through an audio-visual presentation.

Guests of honour Ashok Kumar Mundhra and Rajesh Surana congratulated the association for sustaining the initiative since 1964 and encouraged students to make the best use of the educational support provided.

Donors and distinguished guests were honoured during the function. RYA Secretary Vikas Mardia proposed the vote of thanks, and the programme concluded with the National Anthem.

Founded in 1963, the Chennai-based Rajasthan Youth Association launched its flagship Book Bank Project in 1964, initially assisting 25 students. Since then, the initiative has expanded to benefit more than 1.60 lakh students from over 100 colleges, providing free textbooks for Arts, Science and Engineering courses. Besides education, the organisation is engaged in healthcare and community welfare initiatives across Tamil Nadu.