She has worked closely with non-profit organizations, highlighting various aspects of Kuwaiti culture, both tangible and intangible. Chaitali has also been actively involved in reviving the art of Sadu weaving, restoring heritage buildings, and preserving Kuwaiti folk music, dance, customs, and traditions. She graduated from Loreto College in Calcutta with a degree in English. She later completed her master’s degree and, during the same period, earned two postgraduate diplomas in marketing and advertising management. Given our friendship, and as I am one of the subjects of her latest book, which touches on aspects of my life and experiences in India and my relationship with the Indian community, Chaitali asked me to speak at the book launch and signing ceremony at the National Library.
The event was attended by the Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, the Ambassador of India to Kuwait Paramita Tripathi, and a number of other distinguished figures. In my speech, I said that it was a pleasure to speak at the launch of the book “Sadaaqa: Partnership & Cultural Kinship” by my friend and fellow author, Chaitali B. Roy. This book is of paramount importance because it reminds us that the relationship between Kuwait and India is not limited to trade, diplomacy, or statistics. Rather, it is a relationship built over generations by individuals, families, merchants, teachers, workers, professionals, artists, and friends, all of whom have contributed to the course of my life and the history of my nation in valuable and impactful ways.
The relationship between Kuwait and India is unique and unparalleled among Arab countries in the modern era. Furthermore, my personal connection with the Indian people spans over 72 years and has always been beautiful, fruitful, and deeply satisfying. I have expressed this in numerous articles published in Al-Qabas over three decades. The bonds between the two countries have been reflected in a special spirit and in the friendships that have connected my family and me with many Indian families.
What Chaitali has accomplished through this book is invaluable, serving as a carefully and respectfully documented resource for present and future generations. The book will play a crucial role in preserving a part of Kuwait’s history and its relationship with India over nearly 200 years. A copy of the book, in English, is available at the Yarmouk Cultural Center (Tel: 22400992) and Bait Al Sadu (Tel: 22432395), and via WhatsApp: 65675506.
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