Sharjah: culture

Sharjah: Author and journalist Sreejish Sarada Sreekantan Nair and renowned social and cultural activist Navas Thekkada were honoured with the Chiranthana Mohammed Rafi Award 2026 at an emotionally captivating cultural evening jointly organised by Chiranthana and Darshana at the Sharjah Indian Association Hall on July 31.

Sreejish received the prestigious honour in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Malayalam literature and journalism through his acclaimed book “Aksharakkadalile Veliyettam” (The High Tide in the Sea of Letters), published by Lipi Publications. The book comprehensively documents the history and global significance of the Sharjah International Book Fair while chronicling his extensive media coverage, literary interactions and interviews through Dubai Vartha. Widely appreciated by readers and literary circles, the work stands as a significant documentation of one of the world’s largest book fairs.

Addressing the gathering after receiving the award, Sreejish reflected on his long-standing media association with the Sharjah International Book Fair, the inspiration behind writing the book, and his journey as a journalist covering the event over the years. A native of Kilithattumukku, Chempoor, Attingal in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organisers for recognising his literary and journalistic contributions.

The award was jointly conferred on Sreejish Sarada Sreekantan Nair and Navas Thekkada, who has been a prominent figure in the UAE’s social, cultural, political and charitable sectors for more than three decades. During his acceptance speech, Navas shared inspiring experiences from his long journey of community service, recalling the challenges, achievements and memorable moments that shaped his public life.

The awards were presented by Shaji John, Treasurer of the Sharjah Indian Association, and Adv. Y. A. Rahim.

The award presentation formed part of the annual Chiranthana Mohammed Rafi Memorial Programme, jointly organised by Chiranthana and Darshana. For the past 25 years, the organisations have been preserving the timeless musical legacy of legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi through memorial gatherings and musical evenings that have become a cherished tradition among the Indian expatriate community in the UAE.

This year’s programme also paid a moving tribute to legendary Malayalam playback singer S. Janaki. A soulful musical concert featuring evergreen classics of Mohammed Rafi and S. Janaki touched the hearts of the audience, reaffirming music’s unique ability to unite people across generations. The performances by Beena–Noushad, Devananda and Surya Keshavan filled the auditorium with nostalgia and emotion.

The function was presided over by C. P. Jalil, President of Darshana, and inaugurated by Shaji John, Treasurer of the Sharjah Indian Association. Punnakkan Mohammed Ali, President of Chiranthana, delivered the welcome address, while Shemseer Nadapuram, Secretary of Darshana, proposed the vote of thanks.

Several prominent personalities from the UAE’s social, cultural and community sectors, including representatives of INCAS and various organisations, attended the event. Among those who addressed the gathering were Adv. Y. A. Rahim, Abraham Jacob, Sarfudheen Valiya Kath, Biju Abraham, Abdul Manaf, Abdulla Mallissery, A. V. Madhu, Udayan Ajman, B. A. Nasser, Shiji Anna Joseph, Shaji Shamsudheen, Chandra Prakash Edamana, Adv. Ansar Taj, Shajilal, Ajayakumar Khanparayil, Sam Varghese, K. V. Faisal, Hameed Kozhikode, N. K. Hameed Muttam, K. T. P. Ibrahim, Rinson Aluva, Jijo Konikkal, C. P. Musthafa, Veena Ullas and Reji Nair.

Drawing hundreds of music lovers from across the UAE, the event celebrated not only the enduring legacy of Mohammed Rafi and S. Janaki but also recognised excellence in literature, journalism and community service. Blending soulful music, heartfelt remembrance and the honouring of distinguished personalities, the evening concluded as a memorable celebration of culture, unity and artistic excellence.