Print, Fiction and Practice: Exploring Arabi-Malayalam Literature

Arabi-Malayalam literature constitutes an important part of the cultural and literary heritage of Malabar. Developed through the interaction of Arabic and Malayalam linguistic traditions, it encompasses diverse forms of folklore, fiction, poetry, religious writings and cultural expressions. The rich tradition, however, requires greater academic attention in the areas of reading, research, documentation and preservation. The present symposium and boot camp is an effort to introduce participants to the diverse literary and cultural world of Arabi-Malayalam.

The Department of Islamic History, Farook College (Autonomous), in collaboration with the Malabar Foundation for Research and Development and funded by RUSA, has organised a one-day symposium and boot camp on “Print, Fiction and Practice: Exploring Arabi-Malayalam Literature” on 9 September 2026. The programme focused on providing both theoretical and practical exposure to Arabi-Malayalam texts, literary traditions, research methods and documentation, while encouraging renewed interest in the preservation and promotion of this valuable cultural heritage.

PROGRAMME SCHEDULE

Date: Wednesday, 9 September 2026

Time: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Venue: Farook College (Autonomous)

Inaugural Session - 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Welcome Address:

Dr. Sayid Habeeb Rahman

AssistantProfessor Department of Islamic History

Farook College (Autonomous)

Presidential Address:

Dr. Maimoonath A. P.

Associate Professor & Head, Department of Islamic History

Inauguration:

Prof. (Dr.) K. A. Aysha Swapna

Principal, Farook College (Autonomous)

Felicitation:

Dr. Abid U. P.

Head, Department of Arabic

Farook College (Autonomous)

Introduction of the Symposium and Resource Persons

Session I – Symposium - 10:00 AM – 11.00 AM

Theme: Print, Fiction and Practice: Exploring Arabi-Malayalam Literature

Resource Person

Muhammed Khaleel

Head of Research, Malabar Foundation

Tea Break - 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM

Session 2 – Arabi-Malayalam Literature - 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM

Topic: Arabi-Malayalam Literature: Folklore, Fiction and Cultural Expressions

Resource Person:

Dr. Abdul Rahman K. C.

Executive Director, Malabar Foundation

Lunch Break - 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Session 3 – Boot Camp - 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Practical Components:

Introduction to Arabi-Malayalam texts

Reading and interpretation

Identification of literary sources

Research methods and documentation

Preservation and promotion of Arabi-Malayalam literature

Theme: Reading, Researching and Documenting Arabi-Malayalam Texts

Resource Person:

Ashraf Punnath

Kerala Folklore Academy Award Winner

Muhammed Khaleel

Session 4 -  Boot Camp - 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Theme: Performance of Arabi-Malayalam literary culture

Practical Components:

Performance

Interactive Session

Discussion

Hands-on Activities

Participants will engage in discussions and practical activities related to Arabi-Malayalam texts, literary traditions, research, and documentation.

3.30 PM – 4:00 PM - Valedictory Session

Feedback from Participants

Concluding Remarks

Vote of Thanks