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AKCAF Events Honors Student Writers in the UAE
The book ‘MIRROR,’ an initiative of the AKCAF Events Literary Club, was launched at the Sharjah International Book Fair.
The English short story competition and gathering of young writers, organized by the AKCAF Events Literary Club with the aim of fostering literary talent among school students in the UAE, proved to be a historic success. With the ambitious goal of nurturing the literary figures of the future, the initiative received over 700 high-quality entries from schools across the UAE.
Winners—securing the first, second, and third positions across two categories—were honored with attractive cash prizes and trophies. Furthermore, a book titled ‘MIRROR’ was published, featuring stories by 35 young writers who demonstrated exceptional talent in the competition.
These budding talents were specially honored on stage at the grand ballroom of the Sharjah Expo Centre, in the presence of prominent figures from the literary world. The AKCAF Events Literary Club announced that, as part of its ongoing commitment to encouraging children’s creativity, it plans to organize even larger-scale competitions and various other initiatives next year. At the event, the following individuals extended their best wishes to the young writers: Santhosh Echikkanam (recipient of the 2026 Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award); Dr. Rajashree (recipient of the Vayalar Award); Professor Aliyar (a film actor, veteran dubbing artist, and former college lecturer in Kerala who has earned recognition across various literary fields); Harikumar (a prominent industrialist and motivational speaker); Mohankumar (a constant presence at the book festival); Dr. Isaac John Pattani Parambil (AKAF Chief Patron and former Managing Editor of *Khaleej* newspaper); Charles Paul (President); Shahul Hameed (Chairman); V. S. Bijukumar (General Secretary); Ajith Kandalur (Secretary of the Literary Wing); and Akbar Alikkara (editor of the book *Mirror*).
The proceedings were coordinated by K. V. Manoj (Secretary), Adv. Hashik Thaikkandi (Vice President), Ranjith Kodoth (Joint Secretary and Literary Wing Coordinator), Vidya Puthussery (President of the Women’s Wing), and Cultural Coordinator Manoj V. C., along with Manju Sreekumar, Ajith Valloli, Sreekumar, and Shibu Muhammed. The active participation of school students, parents, and members of AKAF (Association of Kerala Arts and Friends) ensured a vibrant atmosphere at the Sharjah Expo Centre ballroom, the venue for this year’s book festival. The organizers announced that AKAF would make more books available in its library to foster reading habits and nurture the creative interests of the students.