Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter
Legendary Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar also known as 'Rawalpindi Express' is all set to grace the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) on Nov.13, 2022, at 6:30pm.
The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has collaborated with Bazm-e-Urdu to bring the world's fastest bowler to Sharjah Expo Centre on Sunday.
Attending a conversation conducted by famous sport personality like Shoaib Akhtarwill be one of great opportunity for thousands of visitors at the 41st Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) who have been enjoying books around the world besides attending variety of cultural and entertainment activities.
Shoaib Akhtar will talk about his life, his journey from his birth in a very modest family in a village in Pakistan to becoming the fastest and most feared bowler in the world.
Apart from cricket the ace ex-pacer will also speak about his love for the written word, the importance of books, poetry, music and other finer aspects of his personality.
The author of 'Controversially Yours', will also throw some light on this bestseller penned by him and what made him come up with a book. Bazm-e-Urdu's member and a familiar face in Urdu literary circles in UAE, Tarannum Ahmed will be in conversation with Shoaib Akhtar.
This segment will also comprise of a 13th century art form 'Dastangoi' where renowned dastango from India Syed Sahil Agha shall present 'Dastan-e-Shoaib Akhtar' entailing interesting details and anecdotes from Shoaib's life in form of a story.
Bazm-e-Urdu's Mehfil-e-Urdu will also have a book launch ceremony where 'Saat Rang Saat Sur' a collection of short stories penned by Late Mazhar Umeed will be unveiled by the renowned veteran actor from Bollywood Mr. Raza Murad, who will also address the audience in his most inimitable style.
Culture and heritage evening of the Philippines However, an entire day was devoted to celebrating the rich values and heritage of the Philippines at the The ‘Kabayan Cultural Fun Day 2022’, celebrated under the theme ‘Filipino readers of today, global leaders of tomorrow’, showcased a plethora of performances and activities that took visitors of the book fair on a delightful journey to discover and get acquainted with the culture and traditions of the Asian island nation.
With more than 7,000 islands and rich in culture and natural beauty, the day-long celebration of Filipino heritage, music, culture and cuisine reflected the pride that the large diaspora of Filipinos in the UAE carry towards their country. Vice Consul Paola Belle D. Ebora from the Philippines Consulate attended the colourful and lively celebrations.
Students from UAE Filipino schools performed traditional dances and speech choirs to entertain a full-packed audience. From dances to food stalls, singing competitions, and science and technology games, the SIBF 2022 ballroom buzzed with activities throughout the day.
“It’s been a blessing to come together in Sharjah, a city famed for its cultural activities, to organise an event to promote our heritage. I thank the Sharjah Book Authority and the Philippines Embassy for this opportunity to come together at SIBF, the largest book fair in the world today,” said Dante Delizo, Chairman of the Kabayan Volunteers Group.
Following the cultural programmes, Filipino author and motivational speaker Lloyd Luna talked to an audience in a session titled ‘From Mess to Messenger: From a Painful Journey to a Joyful Destiny’.