NE EDUCATION BUREAU
VANIYAMBADI, JAN 4
To promote Urdu literary activity among the Urdu speakers of Tamil Nadu and the neighbouring states, the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) is organising its 25th ‘National Urdu Book Mela’ at the Islamiah College, in Vaniyambadi, from Tuesday, January 3 to Wednesday, January 11. The mela, which is being organised in association with the 120-year-old Vaniyambadi Muslim Educational Society (VMES), is said to be the first such mela held in South India by NCPUL, said Patel MD Yusuf , Coordinator, 25th National Urdu Book Fair.
- The mela is on, till January 11, and is open between 10 am. and 9 pm on all days.
- Many literary and academic events like Mushairas, tamsili mushaira (students dressing up like great Urdu poets present their couplets), meet the author sessions, guest lectures from journalists, debates, Urdu Dramas, Bait Baazi (recitation of Urdu Couplets in the form of Antakshri) and many more events are planned to ensure that the language enthusiasts are engaged in cultural and enlightening activities
NCPUL director Dr. Sheik Aqueel Ahmed Sahib on Wednesday inaugurated the book mela at the sprawling across 42 acres at the foot of Yelagiri Hills, the Islamiah College was once a coconut grove, along the Palar river. Now, the playground of the college campus is where the mela is on, till January 11, and is open between 10 am. and 9 pm on all days.
100 popular Urdu book publishers from through-out the nation are expected to come up with their publications. Vaniyambadi an Urdu hub in Tamil Nadu with a sizable population speaking Urdu and many nearby towns like Tirupattur, Ambur, Peranambattu, Gudiyattam, Melvisharam, Krishnagiri and Hosur with a considerable population of Urdu speakers is an ideal location for the Urdu enthusiasts to converge.
Vaniyambadi located in Tamil Nadu adjacent to neighbouring Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana would attract Urdu lovers from the neighbouring states and even Urdu literary stalwarts from through- out India are expected to attend the event.
Many literary and academic events like Mushairas, tamsili mushaira (students dressing up like great Urdu poets present their couplets), meet the author sessions, guest lectures from journalists, debates, Urdu Dramas, Bait Baazi (recitation of Urdu Couplets in the form of Antakshri) and many more events are planned to ensure that the language enthusiasts are engaged in cultural and enlightening activities. Contemporary and relevant topics like ‘Can e books and electronic media replace printed books’ ‘Is Social-Media a boon or a bane’ ‘Is the technological development changing temperament and interests’ and ‘Is Online Education better than conventional way of teaching’ are going to be discussed by leading literary luminaries.
Many book release functions are to be organised at the venue. Students from the school and colleges are expected to visit the book fair and exclusive programmes like oratorical contests and Science exhibition is organised for them.
District Collector Amar Kushwaha I. A. S., M. M. Hashim, Ex. Chairman, Council for Leather Exports and FICCI and Managing Director, KH Group of Companies, Dr. G. Viswanathan Founder and Chancellor VIT University and Honourable Dr. K. S. Balakrishnan, Superintendent of Police, will be among the galaxy of stalwarts felicitating the function. Honourable Member of Parliament of our Vellore Constituency, Thiru. Kathir Anand and the Member of Legislative Assembly of Vaniyambadi Thiru. G. Senthil Kumar and Vaniyambadi Municipal Chairperson Ms. Uma bai Sivaji Ganesan were present at the event.
