Promotion Of Literature, Book Reading Vital To Bring Peace, Tolerance In Society

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Apr, 2018 ) :Promotion of social sciences, literature and book reading are vital to promote peace and tolerance in the society. Promotion of dialogue culture, book reading and academic freedom can help inculcate values of responsible citizenship, harmony, co-existence and respect for other ideologies among Pakistani youth.

It was stated by the speakers during the National Dialogue tiled "Role of Universities in Promotion of Book Culture" organized by the Inter-University Consortium for Promotion of Social Sciences Pakistan (IUCPSS) at Pak-China Friendship Centre Islamabad on Sunday.

The dialogue was organized in connection with the 9th Annual National BookFestival. The main speakers of the event included Pro Vice Chancellor, Shah Abdul Latif University Dr. Yousaf Khushk, Executive Director ArtsCouncil of Pakistan Karachi Nadeem Zafar Siddiqui, senior scholar from Balochistan Dr.

Agha Muhammad Nasir, senior research fellow National Institute of Historical and Culture Research Quaid-e-Azam UniversityIslamabad Dr. Sajid Awan, columnist and writer, Prof. Dr. Zahid Hussain, assistant professor University of Sargodha Dr.

Shahid Nawaz and educationist, Arshad Jabbar Paracha. NBF Book Ambassador and IUCPSS National Coordinator, Murtaza Noor highlighted background and objectives of the dialogue.

He shared that in Pakistan total member of universities has been increased to 187 with more than 107 sub campuses and enrollment of more than 1.5 million students.

The speakers suggested use of modern technology and innovative methods to motivate the youth for booking reading and increasing budget allocations for university libraries, establishment of book shops andorganizing book fairs by NBF for provision of books at discounted prices to promote book reading culture at the university campuses.

Dr. Yousaf Khushk was of the view that book review culture could be helpful in promoting book reading culture among varsity students. He also underlined the importance of innovative methods for creation ofknowledge instead of only focusing on traditional role of teaching and research.

The speakers said we must take benefit from the valuable treasure of books which , "we just locked them in cupboards". They also highlighted the effective role of the faculty in encouraging book reading habitsamong the university students.

The participants during question answer session recommended revival of literary societies and study circles, promotion of extra-curricular activities, extending library closing hours and effective use of digitallibraries in order to encourage reading habits among the youth.