Bangalore Book Festival 2009

Bangalore Book Festival 2009  was successfully held at the Palace Grounds   from November 6 to November 15. Bangalore Book Festival is organized every year by Bangalore Book Sellers and Publishers Association. This year a million titles were on display with over 330 stalls. About ten lakh people visited the festival and sellers and publishers from different parts of India and abroad participated and showcased their books. Salaam Centre also setup an attractive Pavilion titled “Quran For All” for presenting the copies of Holy Quran to interested non-Muslims. A large and specially made response book for writing comment and feedback was also put in the stall. Those who came at Salaam Centre’s stall took an oath to promote peace and brotherhood. The reactions of those who came at Salaam Centre’s stall was reflection of True ‘India’, which was entirely different from ‘India’ which is presented by media. India, where many non-Muslim people have positive feeling in their hearts for Qur’an and accept truthfulness and universality of Islam. We are presenting here responses of few persons who made their visit to the stall.  This year more then 2 lakh non-Muslim people visited the Salaam Centre’s stall.

At the Salaam Centre stall non-Muslims marked their presence more than Muslims, which includes clerics of Hindu, Christian, Buddh and other religions also.   Foreign students who were studying in India or the foreigners working in the Multinational companies also made their presence at the Salaam Centre stall and benefited with the knowledge of the Qur’ān.  On this occasion The Holy Quran were presented along with Seerah Book, and a book introducing Islam titled “Towards Understanding Islam” in a Gift Box. People’s response was encouraging. For readers’ interest, we are presenting the responses of few people.D.P. Dutta, Vice President Deccan Herald admiring the Salaam Centre’s Quran For All Project said, “It is the result of strong relationship of people with the Creator of the universe.”

A famous Swami from Avadhoota Datta Peetham, saw The Holy Quran in Kannada language and received the Quran. He expressed his feelings in these words, “Salaam centre’s work for world peace is commendable and appreciable. Through these efforts all religions will come very close to each other.”

A student from Germany,Tania Mehrun said, “I know a little about the Quran and Islam. I got this opportunity to get this book. I will study it and try to understand.”

Mexican girl Midyaliyan writes, “Thank you very much for giving an opportunity to understand the Islam.”

The Old Jewish lady also came at “Quran for All” Pavilion and after receiving the holy Quran, she wrote,” Certainly, there should be  peace among the world religions. I hope that you will succeed in promoting peace.” – Dr Dirwithe Lewis

The French female student wrote, “I am very much grateful because I received a copy of The Holy Quran along with DVD. Salaam Centre is doing a wonderful work. I have searched Qur’an at so many places, finally I got the Holy Qur’an.”

City based Afghan Student pursuing MBA wrote, “Allah loves those who like Allah’s Deen. You are establishing the Deen of Allah among the mankind.  May Allah give you success and happiness.”

A librarian of city’s famous college, Usha said, “I don’t know much about Islam but would like to know the reality of the world through the Qur’ān.”

A delegation of multi-faith ‘Meeting Group’ came at Salaam Centre’s stall and wrote, “You are doing noble work for bringing the people closer. I don’t have much knowledge about Islam, We received Qur’an. We will read Qur’an. Here I felt a sense of peace and security.”

There were many people who  gave very interesting and encouraging  feedbacks. The volunteers at the pavilion extended warm welcome to them and left positive impact. They were presented The Qur’an along with basic Islamic literature. Before presenting The Qur’an Daee’s interacted with them.

Aparna Ram from School of Law of Christ University wrote, “ Islam is one of the oldest and reliable religions of the world. Islam led towards the unified community. I think it is need of the hour that The Holy Qur’an could be benefited by the followers of other religions. I really appreciate Salaa’m centre’s efforts.”

Archana Mishra’s feeling is very much heart touching. She wrote, “I have read The Qur’an. The holy Qur’an is really reliable. Although I am a Hindu, but I would say that everyone should read, understand and follow Qur’an.”

Raja Gowda’s reaction is, “Islam should be understood in its true perspective. If lot of misconceptions is being spread about Islam, it should not be encouraged. I wish all the best to Salaam Centre.”

A professor from Christ University writes, “Islam is a great religion. We respect Quranic code of law and social justice. We request you to spread the Islamic message of peace and brotherhood. We are with you.”

S Venugopal wrote about his feelings, “Very nice. In this world everyone should know about Islam. Persons of high position should understand the spirit of Islam. I am thankful to Salaam centre for this great service to humanity.”

Other interesting feedbacks are the following:

“After entering the stall of Salaam Centre felt a sense of spirituality.  Great work is going on. Please continue this work.” -Chairman, VARS Buildings

Today the world needs peace. Pledge for peace is a big step. Islam is the best religion, because Islam rejects idol worship. This religion gives the message of peace, brother hood and love.”-  Lata K U

“Islam is very close to ancient religions .For example: Christianity and Vedas Education.  This is admirable step. Every people should know about Islam because through Islam violence can be wipe out from this world and peace can be establish.” – Dr Ram Goswami

“I want to read and understand Qur’an. Because there are widespread misconceptions about the Islam.” – Amita Srinath

“I convey my ‘salaam’ to Salaam Centre. I support their efforts of the World Peace.  I feel proud to be part of this Centre. You are doing a wonderful job for spreading peace and bringing others to close each other.” -CS Venkat Murti, Volunteer for Peace

Madhav Nanda Das. A preacher of ISKON writes, “You are doing a great job. Accurately knowing Allah is idealistic.  It is necessary for mankind to know its “True Almighty  Creator.”

“I am reading The Qur’an in Tamil. I am interested to follow what Allah has sent down and Prophet’s guidance .” – Rajan

“Salaam Centre’s effort in circulating the Truth to the world is really appreciable. May Allah have mercy and help them”- U Nisar Ahmad, IPS Officer.