Kolkata Hosts Launch of ‘Sadaaqa’, a Book Celebrating India – Kuwait Cultural and Historical Ties

A new book documenting the longstanding cultural, historical and people-to-people relationship between India and Kuwait was launched in Kolkata on Friday at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

Titled Sadaaqa: Partnership & Cultural Kinship, the book has been authored by Kuwait-based Indian journalist and author Chaitali Banerjee Roy. The launch was organised by the Business & Economy Literature Club (BELC) and brought together personalities from academia, healthcare, literature and international development.

The book was unveiled in the presence of Dr. Rupali Basu, Regional Head – East & Andhra Pradesh, HCG Cancer Hospitals; Ajeya Bandyopadhyay, Senior International Development Professional with the World Bank Group and Convenor of BELC; Dr. Bidisha Banerjee, Associate Professor and Acting Head of the Department of Literature and Cultural Studies at The Education University of Hong Kong and renowned elocutionist Bratati Bandyopadhyay.

Derived from the Arabic word for ‘friendship,’ Sadaaqa presents conversations with prominent Kuwaitis and Indians whose lives and work have contributed to strengthening ties between the two countries. The publication explores centuries of shared history shaped by trade, migration, entrepreneurship, diplomacy, education, arts and cultural exchange.

Among those featured in the book are Sheikha Souad Al Sabah, Sheikha Halah Bader Al Mohammed Al Sabah, Padma Shri recipient Sheikha Shaikha Al Sabah, social scientist Dr. Lubna Al Qadi and businessman Tony Jashanmal. It also profiles several pioneering members of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, including Dhiraj Oberoi of Kitco, Ravi Kohli of Dawat, Kuldeep Singh Lamba of Al Mailem and S. K. Wadhawan, founder of the Samara Group of Companies.

Addressing the gathering, Chaitali Banerjee Roy said the book was inspired by years of documenting stories that highlight the shared cultural values and enduring friendship between India and Kuwait. She described Sadaaqa as an effort to preserve the experiences of individuals who have acted as bridges between the two nations through their contributions to diplomacy, business, education, culture and community development.

Speakers at the event underscored the role of literature and cultural diplomacy in promoting international understanding and strengthening people-to-people connections. They described the book as an important documentation of the historical and cultural relationship between India and Kuwait, noting that it celebrates shared heritage, mutual respect and longstanding friendship.

The programme concluded with an interactive discussion with the author, followed by a book-signing session and networking among diplomats, academicians, literary enthusiasts, professionals and media representatives. The organisers said the event highlighted the role of literature in preserving shared histories, encouraging cross-cultural dialogue and fostering stronger international partnerships through storytelling.