Monday 23 / December / 2024
Muscat: The recently concluded Book Fest was a reader’s dream come true! The event organised under the aegis of The Indian Embassy, featured books of every genre and was full of literary activities.
Amit Narang, the Indian Ambassador inaugurated the Book Fest on January 12 as part of the ongoing ‘Aazadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations.
The four-day long event witnessed participation from school students in poetry recitation, colouring, story writing and book review writing competitions. The judges were some of the well-known personalities like Mohammed Al Rawahy – a famed calligrapher, Haylie Saunders- the Deputy Head of Cheltenham School, poetess Roshni Goyate and author Zainab Ansari.
Prize winners proudly show their creativity.
Bringing together readers and authors at the same platform, the event had 5 panel discussions featuring prominent Literary voices in Oman. Jane Jaffer – the much respected founder of ‘Let’s Read’ initiative interacted with radio jockey Fatma Makki about the ‘Literary scene in Oman.’
Matt Jardine – an award-winning motivational author voiced aloud his opinion about the ‘Impact of motivational books’ during a discussion with Coach and Mentor Annie Abraham.
Rebecca Olson- the founder of the first public library in Oman and home schooler Nuzha spoke about the ‘Impact and importance of storytelling in early childhood.’
Panel discussion on Fiction v/s Non-Fiction.
Radio presenter and stand-up comic Asma Al Riyami interacted with fantasy author Ammar Al Naimi and business author Dazza Camillo on the panel for ‘Fiction v/s Non-fiction.’
Sharing the stage with science fiction author Ahmed Al Sinani and Young adult writer Yousuf Hamed, was Oneza Tabish- a popular food blogger, who discussed what the Young Adults are reading.
The annual event is organised by Indian Social Club. This year Oman Book Lovers Club (OBLC) was the community partner for the event.
