Hassan Cheruppa

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — A prominent Jeddah-based Keralite writer Abu Iringattiri was presented with the Arangu Literary Award by noted Saudi social worker Sheikh Mishal Dakheelullah Al-Guraigiri at a colorful ceremony held at Impala Garden Restaurant Wednesday.



Al-Guraigiri lauded the keenness of Keralites to preserve their deep-rooted cultural relations with the Arabs that date back to the time of Prophet (peace be upon him) and beyond. "I specially noticed this when I visited Kerala several times. There should be serious endeavors to bolster these relations mainly through translation of literary works from Arabic to Malayalam and vice versa," he said.



Iringattiri, author of eight books, spoke about his literary experiences. He presently working as financial analyst at Binzagr Company here.



Felicitation speeches were delivered by Prof. Reinold, V. Umar, Basheer Vallikkunnu, Gopi Nedungadi, Rayin Kutty Neerad, Mehboob Kavanoor, Nasar Veliyankode, Mustafa Keethadath, Basheer Thottiyan, Advt. K.H.M. Muneer, and Mirza Sharif.



The award was instituted by Arangu Literary and Cultural Forum in conjunction with Skyway Cargo Company as part of honoring Gulf-based Indian writers.



A three-member jury had chosen his novel "Drishtanthangal" in Malayalam for the award that consists of RS50,000, a plaque and certificate.



Arangu Forum President and Managing Director of Skyway Cargo V. Khaled Abdurahman presided the function.



Mansoor Nalakath, professor of Jazan University and head of the award jury, inaugurated the event.



Usman Irumpuzhi welcomed the gathering while Abdurahman Wandoor proposed the vote of thanks.