Inspiring Words: Dr. Sharifa Vijaliwala at Pustak Parab’s World Book Day Celebration

On the occasion of World Book Day, I had the privilege of attending a program organized by Pustak Parab in Valsad, featuring distinguished guest Dr. Sharifa Vijaliwala.

World Book Day is celebrated annually on April 23rd to promote reading, publishing, and the protection of intellectual property through copyright. Established by UNESCO in 1995, the day aims to encourage a love for reading and recognize the power of books in connecting generations and cultures. The date also honors the birth and death anniversaries of great literary figures like William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, making it a symbolic day for world literature.

Pustak Parab, founded by Dr. Asha Gohil and Advocate Hardik Patel, was initiated to promote a culture of reading by offering books for borrowing without the need to buy or rent and is now proudly celebrating its entrance in fourth year.

The event was held at Shah N.H. Commerce College, Valsad, and witnessed an enthusiastic gathering of literature lovers and readers. The program commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a brief introduction to Dr. Sharifa Vijaliwala a renowned Indian writer, literary critic, translator, and editor in the Gujarati language. Having completed her Bachelor of Pharmacy from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, she transitioned into the literary world and has since been honored with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award (2018) and multiple Gujarat Sahitya Akademi Awards. Her works often reflect themes such as partition, women's issues, and social justice, and she remains an inspiring advocate for reading and education.

Dr. Sharifa Ma’am delivered a captivating speech, sharing how books have profoundly shaped her life and the immense value they hold for personal growth. She spoke about the genres she enjoys reading and discussed Lust for Life by Irving Stone, a novel based on the life of Vincent van Gogh, which deeply influenced her. She also reflected on the impact of A Thousand Splendid Suns and The Kite Runner on her worldview. Having read both The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns myself, I could deeply resonate with her reflections.

It was an honor to listen as she recited her powerful poems addressing themes of religion, borders, and the role of women. Her calm demeanor, clarity of thought, and humble tone left a lasting impression. Through her speech, she also introduced us to several noteworthy authors, enriching our literary horizons.

Following her address, Himanshi Shelat Ma’am delivered a thoughtful talk on the importance of books, sharing her reflections with great humility and warmth. Himanshi Shelat is a respected figure in modern Gujarati literature, known for her sharp storytelling and emotional depth. She has written several acclaimed short stories, novels, and essays that explore themes like human relationships, societal changes, and psychological struggles. Her writing style is marked by clarity, subtlety, and a deep understanding of the human mind.Himanshi Shelat is most known for her short story collection "Ek Cigarette Ek Dhup" .

The session also featured brief interactions with the audience. Respected sir, Mr. Ramesh Champaneri, a celebrated Hasya Kalakar (comedian), commended the commendable efforts of Pustak Parab and its dedicated team.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks and opportunities for informal meet-and-greet moments with the esteemed guests. In celebration of the day, a book display was arranged for attendees to borrow and read, truly honoring the spirit of World Book Day.

Pustak Parab continues its mission by hosting monthly events on the first Sunday of every month at two locations in Valsad: beside the Croma store on Abrama Road, and near Circuit House at the Bank's Front area.

It was a truly enriching experience to meet such inspiring personalities and be a part of this celebration of literature.