NBF works on string of projects to inculcate reading values.

ISLAMABAD, May 10, 2009 (Balochistan Times) -- National Book Foundation (NBF) is working on string of projects to promote book industry through inculcating reading values among people and number of initiatives had been taken over the years to develop sound link between books and readers. Managing Director NBF, Mazhar-ul-Islam, who has recently took over the charge, informed that the foundation has planned to establish Village Book Clubs in the far flung areas of the country where books are not accessible to the general public. Elaborating the idea , he said the book club will be established either in the house of school teacher or any recognized member of that community, village or town who has already some collection of books at his home. Initially, few books of renowned literary figures with their signature will be provided to the village book clubs to promote reading habits among people and the idea would definitely revive the lost trend of reading habit. NBF will also revise its magazine and include book reviews of famous books in it to generate public interest in reading books on diverse subjects.. The book reviews on different subjects including Health, Science, Philosophy and Literature will be published instead of Nazims, Ghazals and Essays, he said. Besides, the foundation will conduct surveys to inform public which are the most readable books among renowned literary figures and other common readers so that the readers could get comprehensive view about the latest books and reading trends. It is an undeniable fact that the advent of internet and latest technology has impacted upon the reading habits along with providing vast knowledgeable information to the world but still the importance of books cannot be overlooked in any era. Reading books not only provide relief and catharsis to the person but also nurture ones personality in constructive manner. One can enjoy reading book anywhere where he like as no medium is required for the reader to get and read his desirable book, he said. Book reading create love, peace, tolerance and harmony among people that help develop civilized societies, Mazhar-ul-Islam said. Under the project of Children Literature, he said, children book clubs will be established in the schools in remote regions of the country. Eminent authors will also be invited to these clubs to deliver lectures for inducing reading habits among children. Book reading habit is also needed among parents that will help to develop their childrens association with books, he opined. He said embossed books should be provided to the kids at the pre-school age to develop close association with books and multi-purpose book corners must be established at city and town level to revive the book reading habit. NBF has also planned to introduce a novel idea to promote book reading habit through creating book corners in jails. Similarly, the book outlets will also be established on airports and railway stations to facilitate book lovers. The best publishers, best book and best production awards will also be distributed to promote book industry in the country and small publisher will be introduced to encourage new publishers. Seminars and workshops will be arranged for the training of authors and illustrators, Mazhar-ul-Islam said. The new techniques about authorship will be given to them to attract readers and make their work worthy of reading. The major objective of NBF was to provide informal and formal education of the students and general public and promote book industry in the country. There are 22 book outlets in different cities across the country that is facilitating the book lovers to quench their thirst for knowledge He said that the books are not available in the far flung areas of the country and the high prices and advent of computer technology are the reasons that keep the people away from the books. Around 20,000 people are getting benefit from the Readers Club scheme of the foundation and can purchase book on 50 percent discounts. NBF is also planning to increase the number of members to facilitate more book lovers. The foundation is also working on the idea to provide books to the children on Internally Displaced Persons who have left their bag and baggage and living in tents. This will help to keep the children in touch with studies. Mazhar-ul-Islam has served as Executive Director, National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) Ministry of Culture and Tourism (July 2008-April 2009). He has received Pride of Performance Award in the field of literature and revival of folk studies (2004). He is an author of ten books that include Folklore ki pehli Kitab, a research manual for folklorists, Lok Punaj , a travelogue, Bolain , a translation of folk poetry, novel Mohabbat: Murda Phoolon ki Symphony. He also write a collection of short stories, poetry and essays and represent Pakistan in seminars and conferences on international levels.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)