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Kerala Sharjah UAE News

Sharjah Book Fair Lauds Pravasalokam@25

The book Missing Migrants and Access to Justice commemorates 25 years of Pravasa Lokam, a pioneering Kairali TV program dedicated to locating missing migrant workers in the Gulf and supporting Indians in distress abroad

At the Sharjah International Book Festival (SIBF), the spotlight turned to the challenges of diaspora communities with an event to release Missing Migrants and Access to Justice.

Co-authored by veteran journalist and Pravasa Lokam associate Anasudhin Azeez and renowned diaspora researcher and Lok Kerala Sabha (LKS) coordinator Dr CS Akhil, the book commemorate    s 25 years of Pravasa Lokam, a pioneering Kairali TV program dedicated to locating missing migrant workers in the Gulf and supporting Indians in distress abroad.

The book was officially presented by Pabitra Majumdar, Labour and Madad Consul General at the Indian Consulate in Dubai, to Lok Kerala Sabha member TK Abdul Hameed. Advocate Abdul Karim Ahmed bin Eid, the chief guest, emphasised the importance of legal protection for all residents in the UAE, highlighting the nation’s inclusive ethos as a “garden” that embraces all, irrespective of religion or caste.

Labour Consul Pabitra Mukherjee praised Pravasa Lokam for its impactful work, calling it a source of pride for the Indian community. She commended the program’s dedication, which she described as a remarkable contribution from a television channel to society.

The event also honoured Pravasa Lokam Director Rafeek Ravuther for his contributions. Advocate Abdul Karim presented him with a Ponnada (golden shawl) and a memento to mark the occasion. Co-author CS Akhil was similarly felicitated.

Several dignitaries attended the function, including NK Kunjahammed, a member of the Pravasi Kshemanidhi Board of Directors, Malayalam Mission Academy Council Member and UAE Coordinator KL Gopi, and Lok Kerala Sabha invitees RP Murali, K Rajan, Sujitha Subru, and Pravasalokam representative Anil Ampat.

The event was moderated by Lok Kerala Sabha member and journalist Tansi Hashir, who ensured the function’s smooth proceedings.

The release of the book highlights the enduring legacy of Pravasa Lokam and its commitment to addressing diaspora challenges over the past 25 years.

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Books Lite Blogs

Bassem Youssef’s Insightful Journey from Gaza to Stand-Up Comedy

Bassem also let his packed audience in on his journey of living in America, parenthood, and his book The Magical Reality of Nadia during an insightful and witty dialogue…reports Asian Lite News

In a candid discussion on Friday evening at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2023), author and comedian Bassem Youssef revealed fresh, undisclosed details about his two viral interviews with Piers Morgan about the ongoing war in Gaza.

“When the events in Gaza unfolded, Morgan’s producer contacted me for an interview to discuss the matter. The image portrayed in Western media was very negative, and I felt that talking about it at that time was akin to career suicide. I initially refused, but as the repeated requests and abundant misinformation continued to pile on, I decided to speak and set the record straight. I considered approaching it comedically, knowing this interview would be a double-edged sword”, Youssef shared with Emirati entrepreneur Anas Bukhash, who moderated the dialogue.

Getting the facts straight

Bassem Youssef went on to explain that after realising the incredible resonance and impact of the first interview, he decided to conduct another in-person interview with Morgan. The preparation for the second interview was different, intending to explain an issue inaccurately he said, adding that he collaborated with researchers, forming three teams from around the world, including historians from the West Bank, Gaza, and other locations.

He said, “They conducted extensive interviews over two weeks, gathering significant information. The challenge was finding the appropriate way to present it, which I did calmly, allowing the interviewer his space and successfully delivering my message”.

Bassem also let his packed audience in on his journey of living in America, parenthood, and his book The Magical Reality of Nadia during an insightful and witty dialogue.

Focusing fully on the present

The Egyptian comedian told the audience that the idea of doing stand-up comedy in English emerged because he needed a source of income to establish himself in the media. “The first two years were extremely challenging and frustrating due to the audience’s response to my performance”.

Youssef then transitioned to hosting a show in Arabic.

Sharing his learnings from this period, he opined, “You should not look at the journey as a whole, nor should you anticipate how it will end. Instead, focus on the present and what you have today. The future will come, so don’t preoccupy yourself with what you will be. You will only reach there if you concentrate on what you are doing now, without neglecting proper planning.’

Children’s book on embracing differences and diversity

About authoring The Magical Reality of Nadia, Youssef said the idea emerged from a talk with his agent. “The protagonist, Nadia, named after my daughter, faces challenges in school because she comes from a different background, but possesses a tool that allows her to revisit her ancient history. The book’s main idea was to discuss diversity and how one can learn and benefit from this diversity. I believe that life is a continuous journey of learning”.

On the importance of reading, Youssef stressed the need to choose a book based on personal interest and read it through. He enjoys reading about history from different points of view and appreciates the diverse perspectives that enhance communication.

At the end of the session, Youssef shared the three most significant lessons he learned in 2023: the importance of continuous learning; empathy towards others, especially towards those who are different; and the virtues of patience and in achieving one’s aspirations’.

ALSO READ-Sharjah Named Guest of Honour at Thessaloniki Book Fair

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Lite Blogs Woman

Sunita Williams’s inspirational space journey captivates schoolchildren at SIBF 2023

The students watched a quick video of the training to go to space, after which they heard from Williams about her pioneering experience of running the Boston marathon in space…reports Asian Lite News

“Whatever you want to do in life, first get to the starting line, remember what you learnt in kindergarten, and stop to take a look at the foliage,” said celebrated Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams to the UAE’s schoolchildren about the lessons she learnt from her journey to space at the 42nd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).

“I didn’t realise that being a diver and helicopter pilot would put me in line for going to space”, the inspirational American astronaut told the packed room.

An athlete and swimmer from a young age, the astronaut confessed that although she did not know what to do after high school, she joined the Naval Academy on her brother’s advice where she learnt to be a diver and pilot.

The students watched a quick video of the training to go to space, after which they heard from Williams about her pioneering experience of running the Boston marathon in space.

She spoke of the planned mission to the moon and building a space station on the moon. Williams, who has been working on the Starliner spacecraft for the past eight years, revealed the mission is expected to take off next year. The astronaut patiently answered the brilliant questions that schoolchildren from various schools – many of whom expressed a desire to pursue a career in space – directed at her.

She commended the UAE’s “robust space programme” and how she had an opportunity to work with the two Emirati astronauts who have already completed their space missions as well as the two astronauts who are preparing for their journey.

“Recently, (Hazza ِِAl Mansouri, the first Emirati astronaut in space) and I did some preparation studies on how to transfer cargo on the moon, and also did some underwater diving in California to imitate what we are going to do on the moon. I have had some great interactions with all four of them and look forward to Nora Al Matroushi and Mohammed Al Mulla flying.”

The Indian-American said she was both scientifically and religiously driven:. “When I saw the planet Earth from the window of the space station, I felt the hand of God telling me that our planet is an amazing place and that I could feel my perspective change.”

She praised the UAE’s efforts in organising COP28 and throwing light on climate change and the earth’s fragility. “Our spaceship Earth is the only spaceship we have, and we should make sure we are treating each other well on this planet,” she reminded the audience.

Williams, who disclosed that the book she found truly inspirational was The Martian, had special advice for girls: “Don’t be afraid to do anything, just get out and do it.”

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