PESHAWAR: Literary organisations, local publication houses and printers observed World Book and Copyright Day to acknowledge the influence of books on both individuals and societies at large.

Experts believe that reading promotes critical thinking, widen scope of mental capability and help in enriching pluralistic approach towards building a progressive, peaceful and tolerant society.

Poets and writers took to the social media and shared their views regarding the importance of reading and its role in shaping societies. Research scholars and bibliophiles stressed the need for developing a taste for reading among youth to sharpen their critical thinking.

Pohantun Adabi Stori, (PAS) a literary body of university graduates, Sahu Leekunkio Adabi Maraka, Halqa-i-Arbab Zauq, Bazme Bahar-i-Adabi and several other literary associations and rights activists organised events to mark the day and help youth to revive habit of book reading.

Literary bodies, printers observe world book day

Mohammad Haris Karim Khan, chief of Peshawar Circles, a forum of college students, told this scribe that their organisation recently arranged its 41th monthly study circle where more than 200 students turned up and showed keen interest in the event . He added that the trend of reading books on variety of topics and issues had arisen over the last three years.

Prof Abaseen Yousafzai, the patron-in-chief of PAS, stated that it was a good sign that young people were turning to reading books on issues both local and global but still a large number of school going students remained sticking to their mobile phones and most were involved in negative use of social media platforms.

Prof Nasir Ali Syed, a senior writer, said that too much dependency on social media kept youth away from serious reading. He said that parents and teachers should encourage children to understand the significance of reading, especially books outside their course.

Abdur Rahman Afridi, an activist of Dosti Welfare Organisation (DWO), told this scribe that his organisation held several events since the start of the year and it gave them a spirit to organise such literary festival across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Prof Inayatullah Khan, an avid reader, said that reading books could help in reshaping societies and refine people’s approach to respecting other’s opinions and believes. He said that advanced countries invested in books not in weapons, built schools not garment markets. “Even teachers spend no money on purchasing books. Writers gift their books while students turn their backs on books,” he added.

He said that without reading books, no talent could come up and dream of progress would remain a far-fetched target. “Literary festivals inspire youth to read books on wide range of topics to build a worldview and promote critical thinking for better understating of local and global issues,” he said.

Mamoonur Rasheed, a student of English literature at National University of Modern Languages (NUML) Peshawar campus said that students at school level were not encouraged to read books outside their syllabus that’s why cheating in examinations at even higher level continued, corrupting the minds of youth.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2024