Indian Ambassador P Kumaran hands the first copy of the Chandrika Annual magazine, an Indian publication, to Qatari poet Dr Zakia Ali Malallah. Also seen are Parakkal Abdulla, a member of Kerala's Legislative Assembly, P N Baburajan, K K Usman, C N Unnikr
Middle East Chandrika, one of the leading Indian newspapers in GCC, commemorated its fifth year in Qatar by releasing its annual cultural magazine which also showcased, among others, prominent Arabic writers’ works rendered into Malayalam. In an event held in Copthorne Hotel on last Saturday, Indian Ambassador P Kumaran handed the first copy to Qatari poet Dr Zakia Ali Malallah.
Chandrika’s efforts to bring works of Qatari writers into an Indian language would do good to the larger cultural exchanges between India and Qatar, said the Ambassador. “A Malayalam newspaper with a rich legacy since 1934, Chandrika still strives for excellence and professionalism. Publishing a literary-rich magazine for the last five years without break, in spite of running a daily newspaper, shows management’s commitment in producing everlasting content,” he added.
Dr Malallah wished she had known the Indian language. “Often, it becomes a hurdle in the way of better understanding not knowing one another’s language,” the poet whose works appeared in the same magazine said.
Chandrika Qatar governing body member Adiyottil Ahmed adorned governing body Chairman Parakkal Abdulla with a shawl. Mr Abdulla had become a member of Kerala’s legislative assembly six months ago. Thayambath Kunhali presented a memento the Ambassador while Dr Malallah was presented with the same by MP Shafi Haji.
Messrs and PN Baburajan, KK Usman, CN Unnikrishnan, K Zainul Abideen, AVA Baker and Muhammed Parakkadavu wished Chandrika success in future ventures. Ashraf Thoonery, Middle East Chandrika’s Qatar-Bahrain Resident Editor, welcomed the gathering while AT Faisal, Middle East Chandrika Qatar’s Marketing Head, expressed vote of thanks.
