A FEW days ago, I visited the Urdu Bazaar in Lahore for the first time. It was a mesmerising experience to be surrounded by thousands of books. I realised that even if I live a thousand years, I would not have enough time to obtain knowledge from them. Living a life without knowledge is like wasting it in ignorance. Those who wish to remain alive in the hearts forever should gain knowledge and share it with others. Dalai Lama has rightly said, ‘Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.’
Books are people’s best friends, and the dictum is especially true for the elderly. The happiest people in the world are those who develop the habit of reading, as books expand knowledge and wisdom, teach love and patience, give courage in difficult times, and groom a personality.
Educational institutions across the country should organise book-reading competitions in order to encourage the healthy habit. They should also distribute prizes among the students to keep them motivated. Moreover, the government must establish public libraries in every city so that the people may not have to travel long distances to quench their thirst for knowledge.
Hamza Malick
Raiwind
Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2021
