Former member of the Union Public Service commission board Purishottam Agrawal, local partner Ravi Menon and managing director of Teamwork Arts Sanjoy K Roy at 'India by the Creek' festival / Khaleej Times
Dubai: The 'India by the Creek' festival concluded on the third day at Al Seef Dubai, weaving an enduring tapestry of connection between India and the UAE. The collaborative initiative between the Consulate General of India and Teamwork Arts, renowned producers of the Jaipur Literature Festival, presented by Dubai Duty Free and guided by associate producer Ravi Menon, served as a vibrant celebration of the shared values and profound friendship between the two nations.
During the closing day, accomplished artists from India and the UAE graced the stage, offering a kaleidoscope of musical traditions that ranged from classical melodies to innovative fusion compositions. Each note served as a testament to the rich cultural heritage shared by the two nations, transcending geographical boundaries and fostering a sense of unity among the diverse audience.
Ramesh Cidambi, the Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Duty Free, reflected on the genesis of the festival, attributing its inception to Ravi Menon's visionary concept.
“The idea initially came from Ravi Menon, and we wanted to showcase the intellectual side of India. The working title was India Talks, focusing on writers discussing their work, presenting a different aspect of India than commonly seen in movies”, said Ramesh.
A poignant highlight of the festival's culmination was the unveiling of former Indian ambassador Navdeep Suri's latest literary offering, "A Game of Fire." Translated by Suri from the original work of his grandfather, revered Indian writer Nanak Singh, this literary masterpiece holds a mirror to India's historical narrative, particularly during the tumultuous partition era. The unveiling ceremony, graced by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence of the UAE, underscored the significance of literature in bridging cultural divides and fostering mutual understanding.
Despite facing logistical challenges, including unstable weather conditions and administrative hurdles, the spirit of the festival remained unwavering. Ravi Menon, the local partner of the event, emphasized the festival's ethos of resilience and adaptability, highlighting its evolution over the past twelve years.
“The spirit of the festival is triumphing over challenges. Evolution and adaptation have been our strengths for 12 years — ever since the idea was conceived”, added Ravi.