A number of Indian authors, mainly Malayalees from southwest of India, have launched their new titles at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).

The fair also witnessed the release of Malayalam versions of three Arabic novels authored by Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and ruler of Sharjah.

The novels that were released included “The White Sheikh” (Al-Sheikh Al-Abyad), “A Memorandum for Historians on the Innocence of Ibn Majid” (Bayan El-Muarikheen Al-Majid Fi Baratat Ibn Majid) and “Deep-Seated Malice” (Al-Hiqd Al-Dafin). All these books were published by Al-Qasimi publications. “The White Sheikh,” published in 1996, tells the story of events that took place in the early 19th century. In his book “A Memorandum for Historians on the Innocence of Ibn Majid,” which was written in 2002, the ruler of Sharjah analyzes and compares literature from the time of Vasco da Gama and renowned Muslim navigator Ahmed ibn Majid.

“Reflections,” an English title by Balachandran Thekknmar, has got top attention. The book is published by Sharjah Deparptment of Culture and Information. Balachandran, a Keralite from Kannur, has been working at the Sharjah ruler’s office as secretary for 40 years and has penned a number of poems, skits and songs.

Surab, a renowned Sharjah-based Malayalam writer, released his new novel “Nee Pokunnidam” (The Place That You Go) at the event. The book paints a true picture of expatriates and their agonies.

Writer Sainudeen Punnayoorkulam released a short-story collection in Malayalam, “Online Shreeja Vilikkunnu” (Shreeja Is Calling You Online). All his stories are rooted in the Gulf. Rafeeq Memunda, also launched his book “Suicide Through Reality Show,” which is again a collection of stories about expatriate life.

K.M. Abbas, journalist with Siraj Daily, launched a book titled “Shaamal” (Storm) — a collection of 12 short stories in Malayalam. Sadiq Kavil, a journalist with Malayala Manorama, has launched two books. “Jeevithathinte Nalloru Bhagam” (Major Chunk of Your Life) is a collection of stories of expatriates in the Middle East while “Kanyaparayile Penkutti” (A Girl From Kanyapara) is a novelette.

P.P. Shashindran, the Gulf bureau chief of Mathrubhumi daily, has launched his new title “Kolthunadiloode” (Journey Through Kolthunad) which is a collection of stories based in Malabar region of Kerala.

Shabu Kalithattil, news editor at a Malayalam radio station, launched his second book, “Sargashrustiyile Rasa Vidyakal” (Chemistry of Literary Creations).

Dubai-based journalist Manu Rahman has released his book Marakkan Vayya (Unforgettable). The book is a collection of memorable moments with some Malayalam celebrities from different fields.

Meanwhile, as part of its outreach initiative, Sharjah International Book Fair brought 30 authors for 55 classroom visits to local universities and secondary schools, including 25 public educational institutions. Highlights of this year’s Outreach Initiative included American novelist Alice LaPlante (Turn of Mind, 2011) facilitating a special creative writing workshop with the women’s writing club at American University of Sharjah. Ali Khan synthesized cricket and reading in presentations at two public schools. With his father and co-writer former ambassador Shaharyar M. Khan, Ali Khan recently released, “The Cricket Cauldron: The Turbulent Politics of Sports in Pakistan.” Participants also included Stephen Drake-Jones, Anjali Joseph, and Tahir Shah.