RIYADH: Arab writers are looking with critical eyes at their history, their political situation and their socio-economic ethos, and are discussing how their societies can play a constructive role in the modern world. These were the remarks made on Tuesday by Indian Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad at the inaugural function of the Riyadh International Book Fair 2011, at which India is the guest of honor. “Truly, there is now an intellectual ferment in the Arab world. This is a real nahda (renaissance), a new dawn,” Ahmad said in his speech on the occasion. Abdulaziz M. Khoja, Minister of Culture and Information, inaugurated the book fair and later the India pavilion, which is part of the event. Over 700 publishing houses and distributors from 30 countries are participating with more than 280,000 titles in English, French, Persian, Turkish, Urdu and other languages. A 12-member Indian delegation comprising scholars of Arabic is participating in a series of literary events organized on the sidelines of the 11-day book fair. Ahmad said the interaction between Saudi and Indian intellectuals will be helpful in defining the contemporary predicament, with young men and women, with demanding aspirations, seeking a place for themselves in a new society whose dawn has just broken. “I am confident this engagement will be most fruitful for Saudi and Indian scholars,” he said. Ahmad said participating in the intellectual debate is part of India's effort to maintain relations and establish links with the people of the Arab world and the people of Saudi Arabia. This is extremely important because very significant changes are taking place in this region, he said. “And we believe with our experience we can make a contribution to responding to the aspirations of the people here, which is the primary task of the governments and of the leaders of this region,” Ahmad said. “We want to be part of this exciting new development that is taking place. We believe that the connectivity that we have had over the last 4,000 years will ensure that our cooperation will be welcomed for our mutual benefit,” he said. Ambassador Ahmad said India is an integral part of this region and of all the positive things that are happening here as well as of the debate and discussions that are taking place and the new ideas that are emerging among the people. “I am happy that a number of Indian scholars of Arabic are present with us to discuss with their Arab friends the different aspects of the intellectual ferment that is sweeping our region,” Ahmad said. “We have been with each other intellectually and culturally for 4,000 years, and I believe that we can make a contribution. I believe that we can share some of our experiences, and we can learn from your experiences,” he said. He said India is proud to be the guest of honor at this important event and to become a part of the intellectual excitement that is prevailing in Saudi Arabia and in the Arab world in general. This is only natural: the Indian and Arab peoples have known each other for four millennia and have influenced the religious, intellectual and cultural ethos of each other. This mutually beneficial interaction continues to this day, he said. Minister Khoja said that the book fair would serve as a platform for people who seek knowledge and offer them an opportunity to taste different cultures and understand the views of others. He stressed the need for accommodating different points of view. Khoja said there has been growing cultural awareness among young Saudi men and women. “Saudis have developed a reading habit and they think differently. They also make use of modern communication means,” said Khoja while welcoming India as the guest of honor at this year's book fair.
