JEDDAH: At a time when digital distractions increasingly compete for attention, Sameeksha – P.G. Memorial Monthly Reading Forum celebrated Reading Day, observed in honour of library movement pioneer P.N. Panicker, with a vibrant literary and film appreciation gathering at the N-COMFORT Hall. The programme served as a powerful reminder that books remain timeless instruments of knowledge, critical thinking, compassion, and social transformation.
The gathering was presided over by Sameeksha Chairman Hamza Madari, while Convener Asain Illikkal welcomed the audience. The programme was formally inaugurated by Sunil Sayyid, who captivated participants with an engaging review of Pranayavaathil, the acclaimed novel by Jasna Thashib.
The event featured an impressive series of book reviews, reflecting the participants’ literary insight and analytical depth. Musafir presented a compelling review of Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy, while Pyari Mirza explored the literary richness of Mayyazhippuzhayude Theerangalil by M. Mukundan. Vivek highlighted the inspiring life and achievements of Sudha Murthy, Santosh Vadavattath interpreted the motivational allegorical work Abheesh Shobha, and Ravindran reviewed the internationally acclaimed self-development classic The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Dr. Joseph Murphy. Their presentations demonstrated thoughtful interpretation and a genuine appreciation for literature.
Adding a cinematic dimension to the programme, Ali Areekkath paid tribute to renowned Malayalam actor Salim Kumar, reflecting on his remarkable contributions to Indian cinema. He also presented an insightful appreciation of Jafar Panahi’s internationally acclaimed Iranian film The White Balloon, highlighting its artistic excellence and humanistic narrative. Kripa Santhosh complemented the session with a review of the Tamil film 3BHK, appreciating its storytelling and cinematic execution.
Further enriching the discussions, Hamza Madari delivered a perceptive evaluation of Haritha Savithri’s Sin, while Asain Illikkal reviewed The Knowledge Illusion by Steven Sloman and Philip Fernbach, stimulating meaningful discussions on knowledge, perception, and human behaviour.
Highlighting literature’s ability to inspire compassion and humanitarian values, Saleena Musafir reviewed Oduvil Oru Koottu by G. Prajesh Sen, a touching work documenting the humanitarian mission of expatriate social worker Ashraf Thamarassery, whose dedicated efforts have enabled countless deceased expatriates to be repatriated to their homeland with dignity.
Delivering the Reading Day message, Neenu Vivek emphasized that reading remains the foundation of knowledge, empathy, critical thinking, and lifelong learning, enabling individuals to become responsible and socially conscious citizens. The literary celebration concluded on a cultural note with Muhsin Kalikavu, who delighted the audience with a captivating presentation of traditional folk songs.
The programme also featured reflections on the significance of reading by Mirza Shareef, Abdulla Mukkanni, Rajesh Nilambur, Athulya Abheesh, and Veeran Kutty. Rajiya Veeran presented an overview of the Reading Day initiatives, while Biju Ramanthali proposed the vote of thanks.
Far beyond a Reading Day celebration, the gathering underscored the transformative power of reading in broadening perspectives, enriching lives, and building an informed society. By encouraging the habit of reading and meaningful literary engagement, Sameeksha continues to uphold P.N. Panicker’s enduring legacy while inspiring a lifelong love for books within the expatriate community in Jeddah.
M. Siraj
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