Report: Shodhan Prasad

Sharjah, Nov 12: Representing Kannada language, Shanti Prakashana of Mangaluru have successfully participated for the fourth consecutive year in the 38th International Book Fair at Sharjah Expo Centre which went on for 10 days and visited by thousands of literature lovers.

Shanti Prakashan of Mangaluru is a famous publisher, who is operating from Mangaluru in Bibi Alabi Road for more than 25 years. Abdul Salam Belma who represents Shanti Praskashana in Sharjah has been continuously striving hard in not only participating in Sharjah Expo International Book Fair for four consecutive years but also bringing Kannadigas together on this occasion.

Under the campaign, ‘Shantigaagi Sahitya’ (Literature for Peace) Shanti Prakashana has been organizing events which include Vision Expo, Book Exhibition, Publisher’s Meet, Panel Discussion, Cultural Shows etc for many years from now. Shanti Prakashana has been delivering Islamic messages to the Kannadigas; initiating towards the welfare of the society culturally, socially, and spiritually. They have been translating books so that individuals understand each other’s religions. It is very essential to understand and respect other religions for our nation to live in peace.

In the beginning, Nooh read the selected verses from the Holy Quran and inaugurated the programme. Asif Malpe translated and narrated the same in Kannada later.

Riyaz Puttur welcomed the audience and the guests who then briefed on the occasion about Shanti Prakshana and their effort towards exploring Kannada literature and Prophetical teachings in simple language.

Every year they release some new literature books and this year they arranged a nice programme wherein various well-known guests arrived to do the honours of releasing the new books and inaugurating the programme. All guests were introduced and welcomed with flower bouquet.

Power yoga expert Dr Bhageerathi Kannadathi who is also the convenor of Kannada Kalika Kendra, Bengaluru, released the book of Ha Ayisha’s Biography, which was originally written in Urdu by Maayil Khairabadi, was translated to Kannada by Misbah Khanum. She expressed her happiness that a Kannada book stall is being organised by Shanti Prakashana in Shrajah successfully for four consecutive years and wished them all success in their future endeavours.

In order to express Prophet Mohammed’s (Peace be upon him) Biography in Kannada, various well-known writers have come forward to share their poems for Kannadigas and some of the simple and understandable literatures were captured in one book titled ‘Manava Kulada Shresta Maargadarshaka’ and this book was released by Social Worker and Film Producer Shodhan Prasad during the event. Speaking on the occasion Shodhan said, “In the midst of the hundreds of stalls of various languages, Shanti Prakashana’s Kannada stall in Sharjah Book Fair stands tall and noticeable.”

Beary’s Welfare Forum’s president Janab Muhammed Ali Uchil released a book titled ‘Pravadi Mohammad Yellarigagi’ in Kannada during the occasion and expressed his happiness for Shanti Prakashana’s noble work. He wished them good luck for the future and requested support from all Kannadigas.

Beary’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries president Janab S M Basheer released a book titled ‘Asheerana Kavanagalu’ written by Asheer Manjanadi and spoke on the event. He stressed that Kannadigas should come forward in promoting such noble works and support more such events.

In fond remembrance of writer-poet Marhoum Ibrahim, an award to non-resident writer poet was bestowed to Irshad Moodbidri in recognition of his service to Kannada Literature in this part of the world. Muhammed Uchil felicitated him with shawl and Shodhan Prasad handed over the memento and honoured him. Later, Irshad Moodbidri spoke in return and narrated few short poems he had exclusively written for the event which was appreciated by all.

Entrepreneur Rafiq Krishnapura, Sandhya Shodhan Prasad, Kanadiga Vishnumoorthy Mysore, Rafiq Ali Madikeri, Mamatha Bengaluru, Janab Mohiuddin Sahab Belagavi, Janab Irfan Kaud Batkala, Siddique Ullal, Akbar Vitla, Krishna Kumar Brahmavar, V K Rashid, Ansar Hoode, Hassan Hoode, Imran Kudroli and Irfan Kudroli were some of the well-known guests who were present during the ceremony.

Nisar Farangipete compered the programme and rendered vote of thanks.