Shining Sharjah

The 43rd edition of Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) concluded on Sunday. It was a great event. A 12-day event was a feast for the mind. Great writers and poets from across the world came to Sharjah and they spoke about their work and shared their experiences with audiences. They inspired the Sharjah audience with their literary journey. It was great to see lots of children attending the event. Even many schoolchildren attended the event almost daily. In this digital era where everything has been shifted to digital mode, books are still attracting children and adults.

This was a wonderful sight to behold. I have always been a huge fan of the book fair. During my college days in the late 90s, I would go to the New Delhi World Book Fair and meet lots of authors and would get lots of books. I have always felt reading a book should always be inculcated amongst children since the beginning. This is what famous Indian writer Chetan Bhagat observed this year while interacting with the audience at SIBF. He said, “People should read at least 10 pages every day.” I can say I have learnt a lot from reading books. Events like SIBF helps children to develop affinity with books.

Zaina Hasan,

By email