### Reflections on the Sharjah Book Fair
For years, the Sharjah International Book Fair has drawn large numbers of writers, translators, and self-published authors from Kerala. The annual event has become not merely a literary gathering but a kind of pilgrimage—a space where personal recognition sometimes overshadows literary merit.
Writer and social critic K.A. Shaji examines this phenomenon, noting how the fair has turned into "a stage for self-promotion rather than literary reflection." Many participants attend less to exchange ideas and more to claim visibility within the Malayali diaspora.
### The Allure of Fame Over Substance
Kerala’s robust literary culture has long been defined by thoughtful debate, serious craft, and engagement with political and social realities. Yet, according to Shaji, the trend of inflating reputation through overseas festivals represents a shift from substance to spectacle. Sharjah, with its glamour and sponsorship opportunities, has become a symbol of this change.
He observes that an increasing number of attendees treat the event primarily as a social credential. “Participation has become a badge of prestige,” Shaji writes. “For many, it’s less about books and more about being seen.”
### A Call for Literary Sincerity
Shaji’s decision not to board the flight is an act of resistance as much as reflection. By stepping back from the pageantry, he calls attention to what is lost when literature turns into performance. His essay implicitly challenges fellow writers to reclaim the integrity of their work by disengaging from spaces that reward publicity over authenticity.
> “I chose not to travel—not because I despise the festival, but because I question what it stands for today,” Shaji tells readers. “A fair should celebrate literature, not inflate egos.”
### The Larger Question
The piece concludes by asking whether Kerala’s literary community can balance its deep intellectual traditions with the allure of global visibility. In choosing silence over spectacle, Shaji reminds readers that sometimes absence can speak louder than participation.
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**Author’s Summary:**
K.A. Shaji critiques Kerala’s growing fascination with the Sharjah Book Fair, arguing that it reflects a shift from genuine literary engagement to personal publicity.
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National Herald — 2025-11-30