Delhi gets a taste of Emirati culture
The most inspiring success stories are written by countries who celebrate diversity, respect opposing opinions and make the most of each other’s expertise.” Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, executive chairman of the Department of Government Relations
sharjah — Arab literature and heritage were in focus as the 27th New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) kicked off on Saturday, with Sharjah as the guest of honour. Members of the Sharjah delegation, led by Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, executive chairman of the Department of Government Relations; Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA); and renowned Emirati author Habib Yousef Abdullah Al Sayegh, were welcomed by senior Indian officials and cultural representatives.
English and Hindi translations of one of the most renowned works by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah,
Sharjah’s participation is going to be savoured by book lovers and cultural enthusiasts from all over India and the region.” Baldev Bhai Sharma, chairman of the NBT
Reading is integral to human development; something clear in the way Sharjah has been leading their socioeconomic development and community welfare.” Prakash Javadekar, Indian Minister
for Human Resource Development 57
Arabic language books translated into Hindi were displayed
were released at the opening ceremony and presented to Sharjah.
Stressing on the long history of friendship and flourishing cultural relations between the UAE and India, Sheikh Fahim said: “Being among you all at the NDWBF, a major calendar event in the publishing world, I know we have come a long way in realising the Sharjah Ruler’s vision of bringing cultures together through books and knowledge exchange.
“I thank the National Book Trust (NBT) for offering us the ‘guest of honour’ privilege, recognising Sharjah’s leading role in the Arab region’s cultural renaissance. We are excited to turn this opportunity into a memorable literary and cultural feast straight from the heart of Sharjah and the UAE, for all of the book fair’s participants and visitors.”
The most inspiring success stories are written by countries who celebrate diversity, respect opposing opinions and make the most of each other’s expertise, he said.
“In facilitating these exchanges, the importance of book fairs cannot be overemphasised. I am extremely proud to announce that the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has declared 2019 to be the ‘Year of Tolerance’, which will further embolden our role in promoting multiculturalism as an enabler of stability and prosperity across all nations in the world,” he said, stressing that two million Indian expatriates have made the UAE and Sharjah their second home.
Baldev Bhai Sharma, chairman of the NBT, said: “Sharjah’s participation is going to be savoured by book lovers and cultural enthusiasts from all over India and the region. Last edition welcomed 1.2 million visitors; a number I am certain will be surpassed this year because the love for books in Indian hearts will never fade.”
Sharma revealed that more than 25 different regional Indian and international languages are contained within books available at the fair’s stalls. This effort, he said, has been furthered by Sharjah, which has brought Hindi translations of 57 Arabic language books by Emirati and Arab authors.
Prakash Javadekar, Indian Minister for Human Resource Development, stressed the importance of book fairs, saying “life is incomplete without books and culture”.
“Reading is integral to human development; something clear in the way Sharjah has been leading their socioeconomic development and community welfare. The real friendship and partnership between India and the UAE, Sharjah particularly, is exhibited in the emirate’s participation and our joint effort that has gone into the organisation of this important literary event.
“When television entered homes, books felt threatened. A few years later, the Kindle came into fashion, and we thought books will no longer be bought or read. However, no matter how technology progresses or reading habits change, books will always remain at the centre of the promotion of culture and knowledge.”
Running until January 13, the NDWBF 2019 is being held under the theme ‘Books for Readers with Special Needs’.