Sharjah Book Fair, the annual event, now in its 36th year, is keeping alive the culture of opening minds to higher aspirations, said 'Gulf News' in an editorial today.

As a crucible of literary fecundity that is invested with the power to sensitise and reinvigorate the human mind to the worth of the written word, the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) has crossed many milestones in its eventful and remarkable journey of 36 years.

The growth of the book fair over the three decades is testimony to its guiding principles and purposes to keep alive the culture of reading in people in the face of the tyranny of digital distractions; reiterate the value of positive humanism; uphold the right of science, philosophy, history and all other domains to prevail upon mankind for its benefit; and preserve the legacy of books.

By consistently nurturing the intellectual landscape in the region through its promotion of books and writers, the SIBF is lending vigour to the creative potential of children and adults alike. The immersive experience in books, author talks, book discussions, book launches, poetry workshops and discourses on the burning themes of the present world order being made available at the SIBF has the power to ennoble, amplify and refine the human spirit.

The act of reading a book offers many rewards from pure enjoyment to plumbing the depths of contemplation and discovery of life’s greatest truths. By providing the occasion, and impetus, for such rewards, the SIBF is in the vanguard of stimuli that enrich human endeavours towards betterment of the self and of the world around them.

SIBF’s awards for books in all categories and for translated works further accentuate and strengthen its core purpose of making the world of books, and the privilege of reading them, an undying legacy for mankind.

Source: Wam