Riyadh: Leading publisher of Islamic books in Kerala, Islamic Publishing House (IPH) has marked its presence in the recently concluded International Book Fair in Riyadh, organized by the Ministry of Communication and Cultural Affairs, KSA.
IPH, the official publishing wing of Jamaat e Islami Hind, Kerala Circle, was the only participant from India in the fair, where about t 650 renowned foreign publishing houses from 27 countries attended. Also, this is the first time an Indian publishing house is attending a book fair in KSA.
Some more than 250,000 titles, mostly religious, social commentary, economics, textbooks, humanities and works of fiction were featured at the fair. A special section was arranged for children’s literature and activities as well as a reading corner. On the sidelines of the fair, Arab historians who contributed to the development of Arabia by writing about the Arabian Peninsula before 1400 A.H. were honored and seminars and discussions on various topics were also organized. The fair was held in the newly built International Exhibition Center on King Abdulla Road in Riyadh. Through the fair, organizers aimed mainly to affect cultural exchanges.
IPH, the biggest publishing house in south India, attracted thousands of visitors through its ample stacks on wide range of topics authored by renowned Islamic scholars and prolific writers from the West. IPH showcased nearly 500 books, authored by nationally and internationally renowned writers. In addition to Malayalam books, multi color leaflets introducing IPH in English and Arabic were available in the stall. This has helped the international community to get acquainted with the IPH.
On behalf of IPH, Dr. M Abdussalam Vaniambam and Mr. Abdulla Manham received a special invitation to the fair from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. IPH, which marked its notable presence in the Dubai International Book Fair in previous years, has given a similar chance for the Keralite readers in the Kingdom as well.
This year, the inflow of visitors was comparatively high thanks to the increased number of publishers from more countries than the previous times. Thousands of people visited the fair in the ten day long event. Knowing about the presence of IPH in the fair, Keralite expatriates and their families even from remote and interiors of KSA visited the fair.
By attending the International fair in Riyadh, IPH, which begun in a veranda of a village mosque in Irimbiliyam, Kerala has added one more golden feather on its crown. This also marks a turning point in its endless march towards greater heights in future.
|
