Sreejish Sarada Sreekantan Nair and Navas Thekkada Honoured with Chiranthana Mohammed Rafi Award 2026 in Sharjah
Author and journalist Sreejish Sarada Sreekantan Nair and renowned social and cultural activist Navas Thekkada were honoured with the Chiranthana Mohammed Rafi Award 2026 at a memorable cultural evening jointly organised by Chiranthana and Darshana at the Sharjah Indian Association Hall on July 31.
Sreejish Sarada Sreekantan Nair received the prestigious honour in recognition of his notable contributions to Malayalam literature and journalism, particularly through his acclaimed book Aksharakkadalile Veliyettam (The High Tide in the Sea of Letters), published by Lipi Publications.
The book comprehensively documents the history and global significance of the Sharjah International Book Fair, while also chronicling Sreejish’s extensive media coverage, literary interactions and interviews through Dubai Vartha. The work has received appreciation from readers and literary circles and stands as an important documentation of one of the world’s leading book fairs.
Speaking after receiving the award, Sreejish reflected on his long association with the Sharjah International Book Fair, the inspiration behind the book and his journey as a journalist covering the event over the years. A native of Kilithattumukku, Chempoor, Attingal, in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, he expressed his gratitude to the organisers for recognising his literary and journalistic contributions.
Navas Thekkada, who has been an active presence in the UAE’s social, cultural, political and charitable spheres for more than three decades, was jointly honoured with Sreejish. In his acceptance speech, Navas recalled memorable experiences from his long journey of community service, highlighting the challenges, achievements and experiences that shaped his public life.
The awards were presented by Shaji John, Treasurer of the Sharjah Indian Association, and Adv. Y. A. Rahim.
The award presentation was part of the annual Chiranthana Mohammed Rafi Memorial Programme, jointly organised by Chiranthana and Darshana. For the past 25 years, the organisations have been preserving the timeless musical legacy of legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi through memorial programmes and musical evenings that have become a cherished tradition among the Indian expatriate community in the UAE.
This year’s programme also featured a special tribute to legendary Malayalam playback singer S. Janaki. A soulful musical concert featuring evergreen songs associated with Mohammed Rafi and S. Janaki created an emotional atmosphere in the auditorium. Performances by Beena–Noushad, Devananda and Surya Keshavan filled the evening with nostalgia and musical memories.
The function was presided over by C. P. Jalil, President of Darshana, and inaugurated by Shaji John, Treasurer of the Sharjah Indian Association. Punnakkan Mohammed Ali, President of Chiranthana, delivered the welcome address, while Shemseer Nadapuram, Secretary of Darshana, proposed the vote of thanks.
Several prominent personalities from the UAE’s social, cultural and community sectors, including representatives of INCAS and various organisations, attended the event. Among those who addressed the gathering were Adv. Y. A. Rahim, Abraham Jacob, Sarfudheen Valiya Kath, Biju Abraham, Abdul Manaf, Abdulla Mallissery, A. V. Madhu, Udayan Ajman, B. A. Nasser, Shiji Anna Joseph, Shaji Shamsudheen, Chandra Prakash Edamana, Adv. Ansar Taj, Shajilal, Ajayakumar Khanparayil, Sam Varghese, K. V. Faisal, Hameed Kozhikode, N. K. Hameed Muttam, K. T. P. Ibrahim, Rinson Aluva, Jijo Konikkal, C. P. Musthafa, Veena Ullas and Reji Nair.
Drawing hundreds of music lovers from across the UAE, the event celebrated the enduring musical legacy of Mohammed Rafi and S. Janaki while also recognising excellence in literature, journalism and community service.
The evening concluded as a memorable celebration of music, culture, literary achievement, community service and unity, bringing together people from different generations through the power of art and remembrance.
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