Media Release
Sharjah, Nov 18: The city's international book fair concluded with a record-breaking note on Saturday November 12, with the 35th edition of the world's third largest book fair. It commenced on November 2 and witnessed huge masses. SIBF 2016 broke all the previous attendance records by attracting 2.31 million visitors over its 11 days.
It hosted 1,420 publishing houses from 60 countries. Among them, Shanthi Prakashana was the only publishing house which represented Karnataka by exhibiting the huge volume of Kannada literature, capturing the hearts of thousands of UAE Kannadigas into the literary world. Furthermore, by participating at Sharjah international book fair, it drew the attention of millions of visitors from various countries who were ignorant of Kannada literature and were completely new to Kannada and its scripture. Thus Kannada and culture have gained recognition among Arab countries by being part of the global literature exhibition.
It is said, 'There are no bounds for the progress of any language'. Many visitors from Africa, Asia and the west were enthusiastic to know the language. Their eagerness in learning its letters did not stop them from asking for Kannada learning books in English. The interest of the people enhanced the spirit of Shanthi Prakashana publishers.
Shanthi Prakashana had to prepare for its closure when SIBF declared its closing. The concluding session was held on Saturday November 12 evening. The programme began with the qirat of V K Nooh Rashid Vitla. Nisar Ahmed, a renowned writer of Karnataka was the guest of honour. He expressed a deep sense of love towards the literature of Shanthi Prakashana by his words. He reminisced to the gathering about the acquaintance he had with Marhoom Ibraheem Saeed.
He urged Shanthi Prakashana to boost the publishing landscape of Kannada literature so as to promote literary interest among the non-resident Kannadigas. He also wished Shanthi Prakashana to grow in heights in the coming years. "Let this small stall turn into a large scale library deriving multiple benefits," he added. Another of the guests, Dr Mohammed Kapu known as 'Dr. Kapu', dean director University of London appreciated Shanthi Prakashana. He said, "Shanthi Prakashana translated, interpreted the Holy Quran into Kannada, brought out a lot of Islamic literature and now it is part of SIBS. It has endeavoured to uproot the misconceptions of Islam from non-Muslim brothers. Hence it must reach out to non-Kannadigas by publishing Islmic literature in English and should also continue participating at SIBF every year." He ended the speech by conveying his regards.
Vice president of Beary Cultural Forum Dubai, Abdul Lathief was also the chief guest. Expressing his delight in the longstanding activities of Shanthi Prakashana, he remarked, "Shanthi Prakashana is an inspiration to all other organisations to carry out many more social events through mutual co-operation and support."
Another noteable guest, Sadan Das, president of Dubai Kannada group lauded the activities of this publishing house which exhibited its publication at SIBF. He also wished Shanthi Prakashana by proclaiming, "Let various works of literature from different publishing houses reach here through Shanthi Prakashana publishers in the coming days."
Irshad Moodbidri, another of the guests expressed great sense of respect and fondness towards Shanthi Prakashana through his exalted words. He conveyed his regards. Chief guest Nisar Ahmed and Dr Kaapu were welcomed with a bouquet by president of Sharjah ICC unit, Noor Ashfaq and president of Dubai Karnataka group Sadan Das respectively. Dr Kaapu presented a momento and honoured Nisar Ahmed on the occasion.
Mubarak PD Thrissur, head of Islamic Cultural Centre UAE, Malayalam unit felicitated Nadoja Padmashree Nisar Ahmed by adorning a shawl around him. Abdul Khader Kukkaje welcomed the guests, Nisar Farangipete compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks. Shanthi Prakashana had also invited special guests who attended all the ten days of the exhibition.
Some of the finest writers, cultural personalities who participated in different days of the fair were: Gopinatha Rav (storywriter, Dubai), Prakash Payyar (president of Dwani Prathishtana), Ramachandra Hegde (businessman, Dubai), Vinay Naik (representative of Namma TV, Middle East), Bekal Sugandh Raj(president of Karnataka sanga, Sharjah), Dayana D'Souza (Konkani writers group, Dubai), Mohammed Ali Uchil(President of Beary Welfare Forum, Abu Dhabi), Abdullah Madumule (chief secretary BWF, Abu Dhabi), bearers of Saiban business community Abu Dhabi, Rafeeq Kolpe (Vishwa Kannadiga news, Dubai) and officer of Karnataka Sports and Cultural Club Mohammed Shafi, Ashraf Hassan Ali, Mohammed Ismail, Mohammed Faraz, Mohammed Sharief, Nasir Karaje, Nasir Kavalakatte and many other writers. Businessmen, officers and leaders of different organisations and prominent personalities conveyed thei regards during their visits.