THE book and literature festivals held in the city draw large crowds and are popular with people of all ages. Sadly, these festivals may become a thing of the past thanks to electronic gadgets. The world is heading towards becoming a paperless society.

One foresees many revolutionary changes in the offing and sincerely hopes that although paper and print may be marching into the sunset, humankind’s love for reading does not diminish.

Now is the time to hold more books and literature festivals with renewed vigour where our elders should take up the responsibility of infusing our youth with the love for reading books. These festivals should serve as an opportunity for connecting people and facilitating visitors to interact with each other, young authors and citizens interested in public welfare.

There is also a need for holding educational festivals as information technology has brought tremendous strides in knowledge and information that demands to remain abreast with the latest happenings.

The private sector can play a vibrant role in arranging literary activities in the country’s remote areas to raise awareness and create interest in reading.

M. Saleem Ansari
Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2019