The cover page of Dikrayath Jalal Rahman Al Khaleejil Arabi, the Arabic translation of Jalal Rahman’s book Angum Ingum Engum.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
From the Milad E Sherif Memorial (MSM) College canteen at Kayamkulam in Alappuzha district of Kerala to the literary circles of the Arab world, Jalal Rahman’s journey has been anything but ordinary.
Forced to quit school at the age of 12 to support his family, Rahman, a native of Aryad South in Alappuzha and now based at Najran in Saudi Arabia, has released Dikrayath Jalal Rahman Al Khaleejil Arabi, the Arabic translation of his second book Angum Ingum Engum, marking a significant milestone in his inspiring personal and literary journey.
The cover page of Angum Ingum Engum
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Experiences of expatriate life
Angum Ingum Engum, which discusses the bittersweet experiences of expatriate life, Arab culture, and the successes and failures of people from different parts of the world who strive to make a living in the desert, was originally released in 2024. “The book is based on my life experience and those of others. I am happy that it was translated and published in Arabic,” says Mr. Rahman.
The original book runs to 208 pages. Of this, 33 chapters related to the lives, sorrows, and joys of Arabs and expatriates have been translated. The book, translated by Oachira native Yoosuf Sahib Nadwi, has been published in Arabic by Samawy Publishers. An online version is also available. Mr. Nadwi had earlier translated Cancer Wardile Chiri by film actor Innocent into Arabic.
Mr. Rahman left school while in the 8th grade. After doing various odd jobs, including selling tea at Kanjirappally and Kottayam, he went to the MSM College at the age of 17, not to pursue education, but to work at the canteen to earn a living. He spent nearly a quarter of a century there, initially as a tea-seller and later as canteen manager, before relocating to Saudi Arabia in 2004.
Love of reading
“Despite various struggles in life, what I loved most was reading. It later helped me to develop some writing skills,” says Mr. Rahman.
His first book, a 235-page memoir titled Oru College Canteenkarante Kurippukal, was published in 2021. Apart from the memories of a man who witnessed campus-life politics, romances and friendships up close, the book also explores the ‘pravasi (expatriate) experience’, all presented with a positive tone and a touch of humour. The book was later translated into English as Jottings From a College Canteen Attendant. It was translated by Lakshman Madhav.
Rahman is currently engaged in the toys and electronics business in Saudi Arabia.
Published – July 17, 2025 03:37 pm IST
