Indian writers to gather in Abu Dhabi as book fair opens on April 24

Abu Dhabi - Author Shri Birad Rajaram will give a talk focusing on the themes and values of peace and truth.

Some of the most celebrated Indian authors are set to take the stage as the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) opens for its 29th edition this week.
With India as its guest of honour this year, the ADIBF will be showcasing the richness of the country's culture, as well as its diversity, throughout the fair's run from April 24 to April 30 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Among the Indian authors who will be gracing the ADIBF stage is India's Ambassador to the UAE, Navdeep Suri, who will be launching his book, Inked in Blood and Spirit of Freedom. The book serves as the English translation of his grandfather's famous poem Khooni Vaisakhi, which was based on how he witnessed the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919.
Best-selling author Preeti Shenoy will be around, inspiring others to live life to the fullest every day as she talks about her new book Wake Up, Life Is Calling.
Also on the list is well-loved Abu Dhabi-based writer Deepak Unnikrishnan, who will discuss his book To Remember, I Invented People that revolves around the people who raised him.
Author Shri Birad Rajaram, on the other hand, will give a talk focusing on the themes and values of peace and truth, which were examined in his book Exploring the Life of the Mahatma.
In addition, Manoj Das, one of the most respected names in Indian literature, will speak about his book My Little India, which explores Indian values in the context of today's ever-changing world.
Smita Pant, a representative of the Indian Embassy, said: "We are thrilled to be the guest of honour at this year's Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. This partnership is reflective of the historical ties we enjoy with the Arab world. We will be bringing a delegation of more than 100 members with us, including publishers, literary critics and authors, and India will also have the biggest pavilion at this year's event." Besides the fully packed literary showcase planned for the ADIBF, the fair is also set to be a cultural extravaganza. A roster of hand-picked Indian performers is bringing classical music, traditional dances, Punjabi folk songs and more to the Capital.
Popular pop singer Jasbir Jassi, folk music group Kutle Khan and singer-songwriter Harpreet are just some of the personalities who will be at event.
In terms of business, investors will be able to explore the opportunities offered by Indian groups and publishers that operate in the GCC.
The ADIBF is the annual marketplace for the publishing industry in the Middle East and North Africa region. It offers a platform for local and international talent to showcase their work and network with industry pioneers and specialists.
Catering to publishing industry professionals, fans of literature, poetry, and culture as well as families and students, the ADIBF will feature 1,000 exhibitors from 50 countries, with more than 500,000 titles on display. For the first time, the fair will see exhibitors from Ukraine, Czech Republic, Estonia, Malta and Portugal.
Abdullah Majed Al Ali, acting executive director of the national library sector at the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, said: "Our high-calibre, global participants, along with the designation of India as this year's Guest of Honour, have helped attract more new publishers this year, from countries that are coming to the fair for the first time.
"The ADIBF prides itself on its diversity and on providing a world-class experience for all participants and visitors, and I trust that its 29th edition will be the best yet," he added.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Abu Dhabi