KUWAIT CITY, Feb 6: The 30th Al-Qurain Cultural Festival hosted an event on Wednesday titled "The Beacon of the Late Writer Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain" at the Al-Babtain Central Library for Poetry. The event paid tribute to the late writer, a renowned literary figure known for his dedication to charity and global philanthropy.

In his opening speech, Dr. Mohammad Al-Jassar, Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL), highlighted that the late Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain was a living example of cultural and humanitarian giving. Al-Babtain dedicated his life to the service of Arabic literature, especially poetry, and believed that culture serves as a bridge for communication between peoples and a tool for the advancement of humanity.

Al-Jassar emphasized that the tribute was a small token of appreciation for the late writer's immense contributions. Al-Babtain’s legacy is evident through his pioneering foundation and prestigious literary awards, which have become beacons of inspiration for creators across the Arab world.

"Our celebration today at the Qurain Cultural Festival honors the late writer’s beacon, reflecting our loyalty to cultural and literary icons who have contributed to building a renewed intellectual identity for Kuwait and the Arab nation. They also helped preserve the Kuwaiti and Arab heritage," said Al-Jassar.

He further noted the NCCAL’s commitment to continuing Al-Babtain's values of giving, creativity, and cultural collaboration, offering a salute of respect to Al-Babtain’s family for their ongoing contributions to his legacy.

Former Minister of Education, Dr. Rashid Al-Hamad, also spoke at the event, praising Al-Babtain’s efforts in raising Kuwait's status in cultural and literary circles. The name of the Abdul Aziz Saud Al-Babtain Cultural Foundation became widely known throughout the Arab world, with poetry symposiums hosted in various Arab capitals, and Al-Babtain was committed to ensuring that poets from all parts of the Arab world were involved.

Al-Hamad also highlighted Al-Babtain’s significant work in the field of education and science. Al-Babtain built schools in various countries and established numerous chairs in Arabic language, Islamic culture, and the culture of just peace at universities around the world. These initiatives have benefited countless students and advanced research in academic institutions globally.

The late Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain was also honored by former Minister of Information Sami Al-Nisf, who reflected on the personal side of Al-Babtain's life. Al-Nisf described him as a man of great intelligence, constant motion, and hard work. He explained that Al-Babtain's early years played a pivotal role in shaping his personality, with many of these formative traits remaining throughout his life. Al-Nisf highlighted the significant influence of Al-Babtain’s father, whose strict and authentic Najdi social culture, along with the literary works of his brother Abdul Latif, helped shape his character and instill in him a passion for poetry. Al-Babtain’s mother also contributed to his love of poetry by recounting the stories of her uncle, the poet Muhammad bin Laboun, further nurturing his deep affection for literature.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Tatawi, a professor of Arabic Literature at Cairo University, also spoke at the event, emphasizing Al-Babtain's Arab and international contributions. He described Al-Babtain as a dutiful son of Arab and Islamic civilization, dedicated to spreading culture and peace, while promoting creativity and thought to bring people closer. Al-Tatawi lauded Al-Babtain’s commitment to defending his nation’s cultural identity while respecting the diverse cultural traditions of others, a principle that Al-Babtain upheld through his poetry since the 1980s.

Nabil Al Hamer, Advisor to the King of Bahrain for Media Affairs and former Bahraini Minister of Information, expressed his loyalty to the late poet. He recalled his experience of hosting the Ali bin Al Muqrab Al Ayouni Course in Bahrain in 2002, noting that the event was one of the most successful organized by Al-Babtain's foundation. Al Hamer fondly recalled the respect and admiration that attendees had for Al-Babtain, which was always sincere, rather than mere flattery.

Dr. Salem Khaddada, Professor of Arabic Literature at Kuwait University, also shared his memories of Al-Babtain, focusing on two aspects of their relationship. The first was Al-Babtain's role in fostering love and peace through his poetry, and the second was his early involvement with the Al-Babtain Foundation for Arabic Poetry, where Khaddada participated in various activities both within Kuwait and abroad.

During the event, poet Abdullah Al-Fulaijawi recited a tribute poem, "Najm Al-Sarat," expressing Al-Babtain's profound humanitarian personality and his love for peace, poetry, literature, and culture. The poem was well-received by the audience and highlighted the essence of Al-Babtain’s legacy.

The event also featured a photo exhibition showcasing images from the poet’s life, including pictures taken during the evenings, seminars, and meetings held by his cultural foundation across Kuwait, the Arab world, and internationally. Additionally, an exhibition of publications and books produced by the Al-Babtain Cultural Foundation was opened, with volumes and dictionaries that enriched the cultural landscape. Attendees were invited to tour the library, viewing the poet’s belongings, certificates, and medals.