Story-telling important tool to promote reading habits, interest for books in kids
Zubair Qureshi
Adviser to Prime Minister for Political and Public Affairs and National Heritage and Culture Engr Amir Muqam on Monday inaugurated three-day International Conference titled “Children’s Literature: Past, Present and Future” at the Pakistan Academy of Letters.
Addressing the opening ceremony of three-day International Conference, Engr Amir Muqam hoped the conference would play a vital role in promoting intellectual enlightenment and talent among the children.
He said that children’s literature and storytelling could be helpful in promoting students development and wellbeing.
Adviser to Prime Minister said that Children’s literature is playing crucial part in education as it provides knowledge and entertainment.
Engr Amir Muqam said that Academy of Letters main objective is to work for the promotion of Pakistani Literature and the welfare of writers in the country.
“It is our understanding that through the promotion of literature and the welfare of the writers, other sections of people and Pakistani society can also be improved”, Engr Amir Muqam added.
Engr Amir Muqam urged the writers to submit their proposals for bring further improvement in the promotion of country literature.
He announced that this conference would be organized annually. He also announced to give special award to scholars working on children literature.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui the guest of honour on the occasion commended the PAL for organizing children-oriented literary event.
He also called for bringing children to the positive activities instead of damaging their future by lies.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui said that resources were needed to promote children’s literature and scholars of children literature should be given awards.
He said that earlier parents used to tell stories to children which increased children’s interest in listening to stories. “Unfortunately, today parents don’t have time to keep track of the child where they were lost,” he said adding that attracting children to books was very important.
Secretary National Heritage and Culture Fareena Mazhar expressed her gratitude and said thae ceremony was a proof that the present government wass fully aware of the importance of literature.
She said that encouraging efforts to promote Pakistani literature and especially children’s literature was one of its top priorities. She said that children’s were an asset of country.
Chairman Pakistan Academy of Letters Dr Yousaf Khushk in his welcome remarks, said the 3-day international conference was organized by PAL in collaboration with Daira Illm-o-Adab Pakistan.
He said that in the conference, international and national writers, scholars, researchers and storytellers across the country are invited to present their literature, thoughts and children-related literature.
