This collective effort not only celebrated Urdu literature but also served as a lifeline for struggling Urdu writers.
Published Date – 20 February 2024, 03:16 PM
Hyderabad: It was a book fair with a difference. In an era dominated by glitzy book fairs and grand showcases, the Urdu Kitab Mela stood out as a humble yet remarkable endeavor. No prominent publishers, no flashy setup or elaborate displays in sight. Yet this unconventional exhibition made a positive impact. It succeeded in drawing a steady stream of visitors. Interestingly, it relied solely on the passion of book enthusiasts and the generosity of individuals to fill the space.
The three-day Kitab Mela, which concluded at the Abul Kalam Azad Oriental Research Institute, Public Garden, on Tuesday, defied the norms of traditional book expos. And yet it managed to captivate the attention of avid readers. Visitors trickled in, drawn by the allure of discovering hidden literary gems amidst the modest collection on offer. And they were not disappointed. What set this event apart was its grassroots nature – the books showcased here weren’t sourced from publishing giants but rather from the personal libraries of ordinary people.
Indeed, it was a true people’s affair with individuals chipping in from their own collections to enrich the exhibition. This collective effort not only celebrated Urdu literature but also served as a lifeline for struggling Urdu writers. The idea behind organizing the book fair was to provide a platform to Urdu writers who struggle to publish books at enormous cost with little promise of returns, says Institute Director Javeed Kamal, who is also Editor of the Urdu quarterly, Reqta Naama.
A book fair is a celebration with authors, readers and publishers meeting. Talks are given and books are signed and promoted. But this expo lacked a book fair model. Books were displayed here on tables in an impromptu fashion. “This is not a commercial fair and we can’t afford such ostentatious displays”, says Javeed Kamal. Enthused by the success of the Kitab Mela, he plans to hold it for a longer period in near future.
The Urdu Kitab Mela emerged as a beacon of hope for Urdu writers, offering them a much-needed platform to showcase their creations and connect with potential readers. It symbolized a grassroots movement to preserve and promote Urdu literature, breathing new life into a literary tradition that often struggles to find its voice in a rapidly evolving world.
Amir Ali Khan, News Editor, The Siasat, who inaugurated the Kitab Mela, appreciated the efforts taken by the Institute to organize the book fair. Prof. Ashraf Rafi, Prof. S.A. Sukoor, Maulana Muzzaffar Ali Sufi were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.
Apart from popular fiction and poetry, there were books on religion, history, art and culture. There were also a few books in English and a good number of old journals on display. A special corner of women Urdu writers was created where books of Prof. Amina Tehseen, Dr. B.B. Raza Khatoon, Dr. Masrath Jahan, Dr. Nafeesa Khan, Tabssum Aara, and Rafia Nausheen were displayed. The best part was that the books were offered at jaw-dropping prices.
As visitors browsed through the assorted mix of books, they weren’t just perusing pages but participating in a collective act of cultural preservation. Each book purchased represented a small victory for Urdu literature, reaffirming its relevance and resilience in an age of digital dominance.
In a world where commercialism often overshadows artistic integrity, the Urdu Kitab Mela served as a reminder of the enduring power of grassroots initiatives and the profound impact of community-driven endeavors. As long as there are individuals passionate about literature, there will always be spaces like the Urdu Kitab Mela, where books find their rightful place in the hearts and homes of readers.
