A record 145,000 books were sold in the three-day book fair organized by the Punjab University administration here at Institute of Education & Research (IER) Corridor from March 7.
In a statement, Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Mahmood said the record sale of books in the present age shows that how much people belonging to all walks of life love the books. He said that publishers gave more than 50 percent discount in the Punjab University Book Fair. He said the development of any nation was not possible without education. He said the promotion of book culture was necessary to develop the culture of tolerance in the society. He expressed his determination that the book fair organized by the Punjab University administration would now be held regularly.
Renowned Punjabi poet Sahil Sajid’s book, depicting the sorrows of oppressed people including the victims of Gaza and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir was launched here on Sunday. The poetry book, highlighted the sufferings of the oppressed people in impressive way. The unveiling ceremony of “Akhar Rupaye Mere Naal” (words start weeping with me) was held at Multan Arts Council. The book also depicts the brutalities and injustices being done in Ghaza and IIOJ&K and the ceremony stirred the emotions of the participants. Sahil Sajid, hailing from Karachi, expressed that his selection of Punjabi language for highlighting the suffering of the people was essential for him to pay back the debt of mother tongue. Repaying the debt of mother tongue was a duty, and I endeavored to fulfill this debt through poetry collection, He remarked. He also emphasized the ability to express oneself more effectively in the mother tongue. Sahil Sajid also reminisced about his educational journey starting from Matric in Multan and the launch of his first book “Doobta Sooraj” also held in Multan, showing his special connection to the city. He extended gratitude to Gurdopesh Publications for making the publication of his book possible in Multan. The literary event was chaired by Dr. Muhammad Amin, with notable attendees including Razi uddin Razi, Shakir Hussain Shakir, Mastihsan Khayal, Javed Yaad, Salim Naz, Amjad Ramay, Yousuf Salim Qadri, Akbar Hashmi, Azhar Saleem Majhoka, Shafiq Akhtar Harr, Parvez David and Samuel Kamran. Dr. Muhammad Amin stressed the importance of preserving endangered languages for their survival. Raziuddin Razi and Shakir Hussain Shakir highlighted that alongside the injustices in Gaza, the oppression inflicted upon Kashmiris is also a theme of the book.
