JEDDAH, 7 July 2007 — Samskrithi, a cultural organization in Jeddah, recently announced its decision to establish an endowment fund for promoting literary activities of Keralite expatriates in the Gulf.
The establishment of the fund is also meant to commemorate C.H. Mohamed Koya, former chief minster of Kerala who was an ardent supporter of literary activities and a renowned scholar and writer of his time.
“Our intent is to encourage talented artists and men of letters among Keralite compatriots in the Gulf, especially in Saudi Arabia,” said N. Mohamed Kutty, chairman of the organization. “We have worked out a comprehensive plan to promote such aesthetic and creative works,” he added.
Speaking to reporters, Mohamed Kutty unveiled Samskrithi’s plan to conduct literary competition for Keralite expatriates in the Gulf every year, inviting their entries in story writing (short story/novelette /fiction/travelogue), articles on a contemporarily socio-political topic, and poetry in Malayalam.
Toppers shall be selected by a panel of judges comprising famous writers, poets and reputed academics from Kerala.
The winners will be awarded the First C.H. Smaraka Sahithya Puraskaram during a grand function in Jeddah.
“We are planning to invite prominent personalities including political leaders from Kerala and leaders and representatives of various cultural organizations in the Kingdom to the prize distribution ceremony,” the chairman of the organization said.
The competition will be open to all, except office bearers of Samskrithi. The last date for sending the entries is July 31.
Those interested in participating may register their name within 10 days. They may contact on Tel: 6360020 Ext. 225 Mobile: 0504 317465 or e-mail their messages to [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected] .
