Emirates NBD Sponsors Prestigious George Orwell Lecture At Emirates Airline Festival Of Literature 2013

Lecture to focus on ’Globalisation, Disruption and the Human Imagination’

Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, announced today, that it will serve as sponsor of the prestigious annual George Orwell Lecture at the upcoming Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2013. The festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, takes place this year from March 5 to 9, 2013, at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City.

This year, the George Orwell lecture will be given by Dr. Shashi Tharoor, former United Nations official, a well-known author, and elected member of the Indian Parliament. Dr. Tharoor will speak on the topic of ’Globalisation, Disruption and the Human Imagination,’ and will be introduced by British Consul General Ed Hobart. The session takes place on Saturday 9 March at 11.30am.

The Orwell Lecture is one of the flagship events of the Festival, and commemorates the life and work of British author and social activist, George Orwell. Each year, a distinguished speaker responds to this great author, and highlights aspects of his writing or his social engagement. Last year, a standing-room-only crowd listened to former UK Cabinet Minister Michael Portillo whose father was a political refugee from the Spanish Civil War.

“As a socially responsible corporation and a leading banking entity in the region, Emirates NBD has been closely involved in initiatives and activities that add value to the society. In this respect, we are particularly keen to encourage the process of learning and education,” said Vikram Krishna, Head - Group Marketing & Customer Experience, Emirates NBD.

“Literature has an immense influence on the society and is of great cultural importance. We are proud to renew our association with the Festival of Literature as it offers an excellent opportunity to bridge the various communities through informal as well as interactive activities and valuable insights from renowned authors and writers,” Krishna added.

United Nations peace-keeper, refugee worker, human rights activist, a former Minister of State for External Affairs and now an elected member of the Indian Parliament from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala, Dr. Shashi Tharoor straddles several worlds of experience. He is considered an expert on India’s recent transformation and future prospects, globalisation, freedom of the press, human rights, literacy, Indian culture, and India’s present and potential influence in world politics. He is the author of thirteen books, as well as hundreds of articles in a wide range of international publications.

His accolades include the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, and the Pride of India Award from the Zakir Husain Memorial Foundation. In 2010, he was named Digital Person of the Year at the first-ever Indian Digital Media Awards.

“In these times when the culture of reading is losing relevance, it is really encouraging that there are still plenty of people who have retained a love for books. An event dedicated to all book lovers, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature will have a diverse of range of topics covered by authors from around the world. The event’s audiences will be truly international, reflecting Dubai’s rich cultural mix,” said Isobel Abulhoul, Director and Founder, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.

“We are pleased to partner with Emirates NBD for the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature this year. Corporate entities such as Emirates NBD have a major role in helping take the power of the written word to the masses,” Abulhoul said.

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature offers UAE nationals, residents and visitors a unique opportunity to meet world famous authors, attend literary debates, listen to readings and participate in workshops. With simultaneous translation between Arabic and English for all sessions, the Festival offers a platform for meeting of minds where ideas can be shared and mutual understanding deepened. More information and ticket enquiries are available at www.emirateslitfest.com

Emirate:  Dubai

Date: Mar 4, 2013

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