a href="/myfiles/Images/2012/12/11/ki06.jpg" title="Khaled Almaeena, Editor-in-Cheif of Saudi Gazette (right) speaks at the “Round Table Talk Show" organized by the Indo-Arab Literary Forum at the “Winter Fest" in Dammam. — Courtesy photo" Khaled Almaeena, Editor-in-Cheif of Saudi Gazette (right) speaks at the “Round Table Talk Show" organized by the Indo-Arab Literary Forum at the “Winter Fest" in Dammam. — Courtesy photo Saudi Gazette report
DAMMAM – The Indo-Arab Literary Forum recently organized the “Round Table Talk Show” as part of the “Winter Fest,” an initiative of the Federation of Indian Associations, at the King Fahd Amusement Park. The talk show brought together Indian writers based in the Eastern Province, providing them with a platform for meaningful cultural exchange. Khaled Almaeena, Editor-in-Chief of Saudi Gazette, delivered the keynote address. Noted Keralite writer P.J.J Antony introduced the topic of the show “Contemporary relevance of Literature” and moderated the discussions. Almaeena lauded the initiative made by Indian community, especially Keralites, for making the fest a great success. “Kerala people are very enterprising and are always successful in their ventures,” he said. On the given topic Almaeena said: “Contemporary Arab writing is very vibrant, active and has gained worldwide attention. “There is new interest all over the world, especially from the US, Europe and the Indian subcontinent. It is glad to see it is gaining prominence. Though primarily it was the Egyptian Nobel laureate Najib Mahfouz who initiated this focus on modern Arab writing. “It is glad to note that young writers including Rajaa Al-Sanea, the author of “Girls of Riyadh,” have spurred that interest. “This is true with modern writing from India too. Hence Indo Arab literary Forum can be of great value.” Almaeena also suggested that writing should not be limited to poetry, novel, short stories, among others. “Expand its spheres to include creative journalistic writing too as it also has substantial role in formatting public opinion and keeping the language fresh and live,” he said. Discussions at the talk show were lively and often sparked heated discussions. Earlier, Aju Mathews welcomed the gathering comprising prominent writers, journalists and cultural activists from the Eastern Province such as Mansoor Pallur, Abdulrahman Butayban, Abraham Valiyakala, CV Jose, M.K Jayakrishanan, Subair Thukba, Irfan Khan, Dr. Mirza Baig, Jayan Thachanpara, Salu Chavakkad, Suresh Bharathi, Damu, among others. K.C Joseph, Minister of Culture and Overseas Affairs of Kerala, O. Abdul Rahman, Editor of Madyamam Malayalam daily; Malayalam poet Ravunni; and Hamza Abbas, Editor-in-Chief of Gulf Madhyamam daily, were also in attendance. The forum was inaugurated by Joseph and it elected Almaeena as its Chairman and Antony as General Convener. Almaeena then commended the initiative of the forum in bringing together writers from many Indian languages and Arabic around a single platform and promised his ministry's support in the forum's future endeavors. Antony introduced the vision and mission of the forum.
