Khaled AL Dhanhani, Researcher, Poet & Media writer. Chairman of the Fujairah Social and Cultural Association. Asian Lite’s Hafeez Mohammed talks to Mr Dhanhani, the winner of 2017 Chiranthana Award for Literature
On winning Chiranthana Award
I am proud to be receiving the Reputable prize from Chiranthana, it is considered an appreciation of the UAE Cultural presence in India and also in the UAE, and it also reflects the strong cultural and societal relations between India and the United Arab Emirates and their people.
A memorable journey
My Trip to India was breathtaking! The visit was both cultural and touristic at the same time. have visited Humanitarian entities such as Kerala Handicap NGO. Gained a lot of knowledge of their good will and hard work.
Cultural Experiences
I have visited also one of the biggest libraries in Kerala to witness the history and legacy of the country and international authors. I have visited The National Television authority of Kerala. I was lucky to meet many fellow Authors and Poets from Kerala during my trip. We exchanged knowledge and visions about poetry altogether. My trip was fruitful and full of knowledge. Its main purpose was to strengthen the relation between the UAE and India, and their people.
Associated Forums
My significant memberships include, Emirates Writers Union, Board Member in Arar Cultural and Poetry foundation- Jordan, Dubai Press Club – UAE, Journalists Association – UAE, Union of Arab Journalists, International Federation of Journalists, Parental Association of the Disabled – UAE and Dibba Foundation of Culture & Arts – UAE.
My writings are as follows, The Successful Parliament, The First Home and some works on heritage and Cultural Studies and Special Poetry.
I would like to dedicate this prestigious award to the leaders of my country, United Arab Emirates, the reason we get passionate and inspired to put in more efforts to serve the humanitarian cause.
Other Accolades
I have won the following Awards and Honours, Honorary Membership from “Jasra” socio-cultural club – Qatar in 2012, Invited as a ‘Guest of honor’ representing poets at the 4th International Forum for art and literature, Ouarzazate, Morocco in 2011, Honorary membership of the 3rd International Forum of Art and Literature, Morocco in 2010, Certificate of Appreciation from HH Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior as a reward for media excellence and hard work in 2009, Honorary membership of the Association of Poets – Jordan and Won the title (Star of the Week) through a survey held by Ajman Radio (Rabea Station) in 2008, Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Prize for Sports Poetry and Ahmed bin Yusuf Malik Poetic award- Bahrain in 2005, Honorary membership of folk poetry festival –Libya in 2004 and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Award for Academic Excellence in 2000.
About Education
My Education is basically, a Bachelor Degree in Arabic and Islamic Studies with Honours from International Organisation Coach. Certified by the American Academy of Leadership (ALTA) and MIDEX Global.
Role Model
The Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan AL Nahyan is my role model and inspiration. He is the founder of the UAE. He is our late father and leader and we got raised on his vision and wisdom.
Projects on anvil
Currently I am the Chairman of the Fujairah Social and Cultural Association and through our NGO we commit to many cultural projects inside and outside of UAE. Soon, I will publish two books focused on poetry and will be distributed inside and outside of UAE.
Family
I am a happily married man and I have 3 lovely kids: Shamma, Zayed, Mohammed.
I always care to build inside them the love of our Country (the UAE) and continuously try to build inside them the loyalty from their young age until they grow up to be able to give back to society.
Message to the community
I highly support building new generations of writers and poets in the UAE. I regularly recommend the current young and old writers to keep researching about our history. So much has been done in our history to serve human kind, and much more can be done. Therefore, in order to inspire our culture by our writings, we need to dig into our history and give hope and inspiration through our writings.
They need to read about local and international history in order to leave a significant cultural stamp of their own in the poetry world.
I urge fellow writers to live for their country and for humanity. This is the secret, to significance and recognition.