BRICS literary award presented; link of cultures with literature

Pars Today- The news conference of BRICS literary award was held in Moscow with Russian officials and some of the representatives of member states in attendance.

The special news conference of BRICS literary award was held in Moscow on Tuesday. The award was established in November 2024 within the framework of the Traditional Values Forum. According to Pars Today, quoting from TV BRICS, the participants of the event underlined the importance of cultural exchange and the role of literature in the expansion of humanitarian cooperation among the BRICS member states.

Sergei Stepashin, Head of the Russian Book Union, Dmitry Kuznetsov, Speaker of the State Duma and Chairman of the Secretariat, the members of the host committee and representatives from the BRICS countries attended the event.

Dr. Shuaib Khan from the Indian University of Mumbai, Dr. Abdul Khaliq Abdullah from the UAE and Masoud Ahmadvand, Iran's Cultural Attaché in Russia, reviewed the perspectives of cultural cooperation.

Ahmadvand stressed, "Literature can strengthen peaceful dialogue, encourage nations to support each other and set the ground for hearing new voices. Let us believe that a writer's pen is sharper than a sword."

Moreover, video-conference messages were presented from Doha Mustafa Asi, the Egyptian parliamentarian, Dr. Jan Yu from China (member of the host committee), and Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, member of the National Assembly of South Africa.

Sergei Stepashin made it clear that BRICS literary award has been established with the aim of bolstering inter-cultural dialogue and promotion of traditional values. He said, "Literature can remove prejudices, create empathy and expand mutual comprehension among nations."

Dmitry Kuznetsov, also pointed to the activity of the research group on common values. He added, "Mutual respect, solidarity, peace-seeking, kindness and development will surely be included in this list." These values and the list of the candidates will be introduced in September at the next session in Brazil. Kuznetsov also informed of founding the BRICS literature network; an international association comprising writers and publishers of BRICS member states.

Dr. Shuaib Khan reminded that writers mirror the realities in the society. Dr. Abdul Khaliq Abdullah, also, expressed hope that the BRICS member states would promote tolerance as a fundamental value.

Three writers will be nominated from each country for the award. The winners will be selected in three phases: the primary list will be announced in September in Brazil, the final list will be presented in October in Shanghai, and the final winner will be introduced in November in Moscow. Furthermore, a special prize has been determined which will be awarded to the winner at the BRICS artistic festival in Khabarovsk city of Russia.

RM/ME