International Organization in Kerala, India A Cultural and Academic Journey from Outreach to International Partnership 2020–2026

Hamsa Sama Al-Thaqafa International Organization in Kerala, India

A Cultural and Academic Journey from Outreach to International Partnership

2020–2026

Introduction

The presence of the Hamsa Sama Al-Thaqafa International Organization – Denmark in the Indian state of Kerala represents one of the prominent chapters in the Organization’s international cultural and academic journey.

What began as communication with educational and cultural institutions gradually developed into the organization of international conferences, the establishment of academic networks, the signing of cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding, the implementation of educational and research programs, and sustained cooperation with universities and higher-education institutions.

This journey ultimately led to an institutional partnership with the University of Calicut and to the preparation of the Fifth International Conference on the Arabic Language, scheduled to take place in Kerala in December 2026.

The documented record does not reflect a seasonal or limited presence. Rather, it reveals a continuous institutional journey in which culture, education, research, translation, academic training, publishing, and international cooperation have developed together.

1. The Beginning and Institutional Outreach – 2020

Kerala began to appear clearly in the Hamsa Sama Al-Thaqafa archive in 2020.

On 21 October 2020, the Organization published a feature on NISA Women’s College in Kerala, presenting the institution, its educational and cultural objectives, its role in women’s education, and its interest in postgraduate studies, research, literary activities, and the arts.

The article also referred to academic figures associated with the institution, including Professor Abdul Salam Amanati, as well as Dr. Fatma Abu Wasel Agbaria from Denmark. (hamsaat.co⁠)

This represents an important documented stage in the development of the relationship that later evolved into direct academic cooperation with NISA Women’s College and other institutions in Kerala.

2. 2021 – Kerala Becomes Part of the International Arabic Language Project

On 27 November 2021, Hamsa Sama Al-Thaqafa International Organization held its First International Conference on the Arabic Language under the theme:

“Through Literature We Meet, Through Literature We Rise”

The conference was held through the international Hamsa Net platform, with the participation of writers, researchers, poets, and academics from several countries.

Dr. Abdul Salam Amanati from Kerala participated in the conference and presented an overview of the state of the Arabic language in India, including the growing interest in Arabic education in Indian universities, colleges, and educational institutions.

At the conclusion of the conference, the initiative to hold the following conference in Kerala was announced, marking the beginning of a new phase of direct academic engagement in India. (hamsaat.co⁠)

This moment marked the transition from virtual international cultural engagement to a more direct institutional presence in Kerala.

3. 2022 – The Major Institutional Launch in Kerala

The year 2022 represents a major turning point in the history of Hamsa Sama Al-Thaqafa in Kerala.

On 7 March 2022, a delegation from the Organization arrived in Kerala, headed by the Organization’s founder, Engineer Abdul Hafiz Agbaria, and including Dr. Fatma Abu Wasel Agbaria and other members of the delegation.

The delegation met representatives of universities, educational institutions, and civil-society organizations to discuss cooperation and the implementation of joint academic and cultural programs. (hamsaat.co⁠)

Thus, the 2022 visit was not limited to the conference itself. It represented the beginning of a broader process of institutional networking.

4. The Second International Conference on the Arabic Language – Kerala 2022

Hamsa Sama Al-Thaqafa International Organization held its Second International Conference on the Arabic Language in Kerala in March 2022, in cooperation with a number of universities, colleges, and postgraduate institutions.

The documented dates were 9–12 March 2022, with the participation of KTM Postgraduate College among the academic institutions involved in the program. (hamsaat.co⁠)

During the opening session at KTM Postgraduate College, Dr. Fatma Abu Wasel Agbaria emphasized the Organization’s commitment to developing institutional networking between universities and educational and development-oriented institutions in Kerala. (hamsaat.co⁠)

The conference established a model that would later become a defining feature of Hamsa’s work in Kerala:

Conference → Academic Meetings → Institutional Networking → Cooperation Agreements → Continuing Programs

5. Cooperation Agreement with NISA Women’s College – 2022

Following the Second International Conference, Hamsa Sama Al-Thaqafa International Organization signed a cooperation and understanding agreement with NISA Women’s College for Advanced Arabic Studies in Kerala.

The agreement was signed on 27 March 2022 in the presence of members of the academic community.

On behalf of Hamsa, the agreement was signed by the Organization’s founder, Engineer Abdul Hafiz Agbaria, and its President, Dr. Fatma Abu Wasel Agbaria. On behalf of the college, it was signed by Mr. Munir Shihab and Dr. Abdul Salam Amanati. (hamsaat.co⁠)

The agreement represented an important transition from conference-based engagement to sustained institutional cooperation.

6. The “Arabic Language and Identity” Conference – 2022

In October 2022, Kerala hosted another international academic event on Arabic language and literature under the patronage of Hamsa Sama Al-Thaqafa International Organization:

“The Arabic Language and Identity”

The conference was held at the Sayed Mohammed Ali Shihab Memorial College of Arts and Science in Perinthalmanna, Kerala. (hamsaat.co⁠)

Its program included academic lectures and discussions addressing Arabic language and literature, including a lecture by Dr. Abdullatif Obaid at PSMO College in Tirurangadi. (hamsaat.co⁠)

The program also extended beyond the main conference venue through academic meetings, institutional visits, and cultural activities in different parts of Kerala.

Editorial note: In the final institutional record, this event will be identified by its official title and date without assigning an additional numerical sequence unless an official organizational document confirms such numbering. This approach avoids confusion between formally numbered international conferences and other independent events.

7. Expanding Academic Relations – 2023

In 2023, Hamsa’s presence in Kerala expanded into a more sustained academic framework.

The Organization documented visits and meetings with universities and colleges, alongside educational and training programs.

Its relationship with NISA Women’s College also became more firmly established, while Dr. Fatma Abu Wasel Agbaria assumed an academic leadership role connected with the institution.

In October 2023, the Organization documented the Arts Festival at NISA Postgraduate College in Kerala, held on 23 and 24 October as part of the institution’s academic and cultural activities. (hamsaat.co⁠)

During this period, Hamsa’s work increasingly expanded beyond conferences into education, training, translation, and continuing academic programs.

8. Educational Programs, Translation, and Postgraduate Studies

One of the most significant dimensions of Hamsa’s work in Kerala has been its engagement with postgraduate students and researchers.

The Organization’s archive documents a series of academic lectures delivered by Dr. Fatma Abu Wasel Agbaria to postgraduate students, including a series addressing:

“The History of the Study and Teaching of the Arabic Language in Europe”

The lectures examined the history of Orientalist scholarship and the study of Arabic in European academic institutions, including the work of scholars such as Silvestre de Sacy and Étienne Quatremère. (hamsaat.co⁠)

In July 2024, the continuation of this educational initiative was announced under the name:

“Al-Fatimiyyat Program”

The program followed a year of voluntary lectures and initiatives related to Arabic language, literature, and translation, with the participation of postgraduate researchers and academic contributors. (hamsaat.co⁠)

This program represents an important dimension of Hamsa’s work because it demonstrates that the Organization’s presence in Kerala has not been limited to conferences, but has included direct academic formation and capacity-building for researchers and students.

9. 2024 – Institutional Partnership with the University of Calicut

The year 2024 represents one of the most significant institutional turning points in the relationship.

In April 2024, a cooperation agreement was signed between:

Hamsa Sama Al-Thaqafa International Organization – Denmark

and

The Department of Arabic Language and Literature at the University of Calicut – Kerala, India.

The areas of cooperation included:

• Training and professional development.
• Advisory and academic services.
• Research and scholarly studies.
• Exchange of expertise.
• Exchange of information and cultural materials.
• Organization of seminars, events, and exhibitions.
• Promotion of Arabic language and literature.
• Development of academic and cultural cooperation. (hamsaat.co⁠)

The Organization was represented at the signing by Dr. Abdul Salam Amanati, Secretary-General of Hamsa in India, accompanied by Dr. Zain Al-Abidin Al-Hadouri, while the University of Calicut was represented by its academic leadership. (hamsaat.co⁠)

Dr. Fatma Abu Wasel Agbaria emphasized that the agreement represented a transition toward a more structured and sustainable framework of academic cooperation. (hamsaat.co⁠)

10. Strengthening Hamsa’s Institutional Presence in India

In October 2024, Hamsa Sama Al-Thaqafa appointed Dr. Zain Al-Abidin Al-Hadawi bin Mohammed Kokanchery, Dean of Ideal College of Arts and Science affiliated with the University of Calicut, as a general coordinator for the Organization’s activities in India.

His responsibilities included coordinating the Organization’s activities in India and strengthening international cultural and educational cooperation. (hamsaat.co⁠)

This step contributed to the institutional consolidation of Hamsa’s presence in India.

11. The Fourth International Conference – 2024

The Fourth International Conference on Arabic Language and Literature represented one of the most significant outcomes of this developing partnership.

The conference was held in Kerala under the theme:

“The Arabic Language: The Language of the Future and Development”

It took place at the University of Calicut campus, with broad international participation.

The conference documentation records participation from Denmark, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye, Chad, Kazakhstan, France, Morocco, Tunisia, Qatar, and Romania, in addition to representatives of universities and colleges in Kerala. (hamsaat.co⁠)

Several Kerala-based academic institutions contributed to the conference, including:

• University of Calicut.
• PSMO College.
• Darul Huda Islamic University.
• Safi College.
• Farook College.
• NISA College of Arts and Science.
• WMO College.
• MES Mampad College. (hamsaat.co⁠)

The conference also brought together prominent academics and researchers from different countries, including Prince Dr. Nayef bin Thunayan bin Mohammed Al Saud, Dr. Abdul Hamid Madkour, Dr. Ezzeddine Bouchikhi, and Dr. Abdullatif Obaid, among others. (hamsaat.co⁠)

12. Academic Activities Accompanying the Fourth Conference

The delegation’s activities extended beyond the main conference venue.

The Hamsa delegation visited Mampad College affiliated with the University of Calicut and participated in a seminar organized by the Department of Arabic at the college and university.

The visit included meetings with faculty members, researchers, and students, as well as the recognition of eight researchers holding doctoral degrees in Arabic and four outstanding master’s students.

Programs and competitions related to International Arabic Language Day were also launched. (hamsaat.co⁠)

The program also included a visit to the Department of Arabic at the University of Calicut, meetings with master’s students, and a visit to the department’s library and other language departments. (hamsaat.co⁠)

These activities demonstrate that the 2024 conference was not simply a conventional academic gathering, but part of a broader field-based academic program.

13. Memorandum of Understanding with Farook College – 2024

On 30 November 2024, Hamsa Sama Al-Thaqafa International Organization signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Arabic at Farook College in Kerala.

The memorandum provided for cooperation in workshops, seminars, conferences, and joint academic activities. (hamsaat.co⁠)

The signing was attended by the Head of the Department of Arabic at the University of Calicut, together with a number of academics and representatives of Hamsa’s Kerala branch. (hamsaat.co⁠)

14. Academic Activities at NISA Women’s College – 2024

The 2024 conference period also coincided with important academic activities at NISA Women’s College.

A textbook on Imam al-Nawawi was introduced into the academic curriculum in Arabic and English, with postgraduate students contributing to its preparation through research assignments.

The college also celebrated the graduation of a bachelor’s cohort and graduates of the “Al-Fatimiyyat” translation program. (hamsaat.co⁠)

In October 2024, the Organization announced that the postgraduate textbook on the biography of Imam al-Nawawi had been reviewed and edited and was ready for printing and distribution. The project involved postgraduate students and was prepared in Arabic and English, with plans for a Malayalam translation. (hamsaat.co⁠)

This represents a valuable dimension of the Kerala experience: knowledge production within the local academic environment, rather than simply hosting events.

15. Graduation Activities at NISA – 2024

The Organization also documented Dr. Fatma Abu Wasel Agbaria’s participation in the graduation ceremony of bachelor’s students at NISA College of Arts and Sciences in Kerala.

Her address emphasized the importance of higher education, the empowerment of women through knowledge, and investment in students’ academic capacities, while highlighting the college’s efforts to develop its programs and pursue local and international academic recognition. (hamsaat.co⁠)

16. 2025 – Continuing and Expanding Partnerships

The partnership network continued to grow after the Fourth International Conference.

In October 2025, Hamsa Sama Al-Thaqafa announced the signing of a cultural and academic cooperation agreement with Al-Ain College in Kerala.

The agreement included:

• Specialized academic programs in Modern Standard Arabic.
• Translation workshops between Arabic and world languages.
• International seminars and conferences on language, literature, and translation.
• Joint educational and cultural projects. (hamsaat.co⁠)

The Organization’s network in Kerala therefore continued to expand beyond the University of Calicut, NISA, and Farook College to additional academic institutions.

17. Al-Ain Academy Activities – 2025

Academic cooperation with Al-Ain Academy continued.

In December 2025, Dr. Fatma Abu Wasel Agbaria participated in the Academy’s International Arabic Language Day activities and delivered a lecture entitled:

“How Do We Read Literary Texts in Arabic?”

The lecture addressed methods of reading literary texts, historical and cultural context, literary appreciation, analysis, and interpretation. (hamsaat.co⁠)

This activity represents a direct continuation of the academic cooperation established with the institution earlier in 2025.

18. Hamsa’s Scholarly Publications Reach Kerala – 2025

In October 2025, scholarly publications by Dr. Fatma Abu Wasel Agbaria reached Kerala, including:

• Al-Khata’ wa al-Sawab
• Qul wa La Taqul

The Organization announced plans for an academic launch at the University of Calicut, with the participation of universities, colleges, and academic institutes interested in Arabic language education. (hamsaat.co⁠)

In December 2025, Hamsa documented the launch of the second edition of three volumes of “Al-Khata’ wa al-Sawab fi al-Lughah al-Arabiyyah – Qul wa La Taqul”, attended by academic and cultural figures from Kerala and international guests. (hamsaat.co⁠)

This added publishing and scholarly knowledge dissemination to the Organization’s academic activities in Kerala.

19. Line Language Academy – 2025

In September 2025, Dr. Fatma Abu Wasel Agbaria participated in the graduation ceremony of Line Language Academy in Kerala.

Her address addressed language acquisition, the relationship between language and thought, and the role of language in shaping intellectual, emotional, and cultural awareness.

Professor Abdul Salam Amanati, Secretary-General of Hamsa in India, also attended the event. (hamsaat.co⁠)

This represents another example of Hamsa’s expanding academic and cultural engagement within Kerala.

20. NISA Women’s College – A Decade of Academic Development

In October 2025, Hamsa documented NISA College of Arts and Islamic Sciences’ celebration of its tenth anniversary.

The report highlighted the roles of the institution’s academic leadership, including Professor Abdul Salam Amanati and Dr. Fatma Abu Wasel Agbaria, President of the Higher Academic Council, in supporting the college’s academic development. (hamsaat.co⁠)

This milestone reflects the institutional depth that the relationship between Hamsa and Kerala had achieved over the preceding years.

21. Student Activities and Creative Initiatives – 2025

Hamsa’s academic network in Kerala also extended into student creativity.

In January 2025, Dr. Abdul Salam Amanati, Director of Hamsa’s India Branch, participated as a member of the judging committee for an artistic and literary competition for young people at Darul Huda Islamic University.

The event showcased student creativity and literary and artistic achievements in Kerala. (hamsaat.co⁠)

This activity reflects the Organization’s broader commitment to supporting young people, student creativity, and cultural expression alongside academic research.

22. The Fifth International Conference – December 2026

After years of conferences, academic programs, institutional cooperation, and cultural engagement, the journey has now reached a new stage.

Hamsa Sama Al-Thaqafa International Organization – Denmark and the University of Calicut have officially begun preparations for:

The Fifth International Conference on the Arabic Language

Kerala – India

December 2026

The conference is being organized by:

Hamsa Sama Al-Thaqafa International Organization – Denmark

in cooperation with:

The Department of Arabic Language, University of Calicut – Kerala, India.

According to the official announcement, preparations have begun in Kerala, and a coordination meeting was held at the University of Calicut bringing together Dr. Abdul Salam Amanati, Director of Hamsa’s India Branch, members of the organizing team, and Professor Dr. Abdul Majeed T.A., Head of the Department of Arabic. (hamsaat.co⁠)

The Fifth International Conference represents a natural continuation of a journey that has developed over several years—from cultural outreach to academic engagement, from conferences to institutional partnerships, and from local cooperation to international academic collaboration.

Conclusion: Kerala as a Model of International Engagement

The history of Hamsa Sama Al-Thaqafa International Organization in Kerala demonstrates a gradual and sustained model of international cultural and academic engagement.

The relationship began with contact and institutional outreach in 2020, moved into the Organization’s international Arabic-language project in 2021, and developed in 2022 through field engagement, an international conference, and cooperation agreements.

In 2023, the relationship expanded through educational programs, postgraduate lectures, translation initiatives, and academic networking.

In 2024, the partnership reached a new institutional level through cooperation with the University of Calicut and the organization of the Fourth International Conference, accompanied by university visits, academic programs, and additional memoranda of understanding.

In 2025, the Organization expanded its academic network, continued educational programs, supported student and academic activities, promoted scholarly publications, and established new institutional partnerships.

In 2026, this accumulated experience has led to a new milestone: the announcement of the Fifth International Conference on the Arabic Language in Kerala, scheduled for December 2026.

The Kerala experience therefore represents far more than a series of conferences. It reflects an integrated model combining:

Conferences, academic partnerships, education, research, translation, publishing, training, academic empowerment, and cultural exchange.

Through this sustained engagement, Kerala has become one of the significant platforms of Hamsa Sama Al-Thaqafa’s international presence and one of the environments in which the Organization’s vision is realized: building bridges among institutions, peoples, and cultures through language, culture, and knowledge.