THATTA: Speakers at a literature festival organised under the aegis of Sindh University Thatta Campus here on Tuesday highlighted importance of reading books and said quality literature and habit of reading can transform a backward people into a progressive society.

They praised the university’s efforts for promoting literary activities in the historical district of Sindh.

Historian and educationist Dr Abdul Ghafoor Memon said that Thatta had a glorious past in education and being a centre of knowledge but it had now lost contact with the modern world due to unavailability of facilities and youth’s alienation from literature. “Our girls are unaware of the modern methodologies of learning,” he said.

He said the girls should be provided equal opportunities. Quality literature and habit of book reading could transform a backward people into a progressive society, he said.

Prof Dr Arfana Malah observed that love of literature would inculcate decency in society. It quelled differences between different sections of society. “We have to be more forward looking and put Sindh on the path to constant progress,” she proposed.

“The literary gatherings remind us of the contribution of our heroes to literature. Women in remote areas should come out of their homes so that objective of a progressive society can be achieved,” she said.

Dr Mohammad Ali Manji called for female education and urged authorities concerned to take measures for spreading the message of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai who advanced revolutionary ideas of transforming society.

Renowned writer and poet Engineer Obhayo Khan Khushk also spoke. The festival also featured stalls for books, traditional foods and embroidery. Towards the end of the event, students presented tableaus on different social issues.

Published in Dawn, January 10th, 2024