• Instead of short videos on digital platforms, authors should share short stories, poetry, and articles. Establishing e-book and online public libraries can make books more accessible to people.
• Open and free libraries at our bus stops, parks, and other public places

By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden

Throughout human history, books have always been lighthouses of knowledge. History tells us that whenever nations have remained connected to knowledge, literature, and intellect, their civilizations have flourished. Conversely, when they have distanced themselves from books, their societies have faced decline. Books are not merely sources of information; they also give birth to thought, insight, and creativity.

In today’s digital age, technology and the digital world, mobile phones, social media, and short videos have captured people’s attention and captivated them. The glow of screens has overshadowed the light of book pages, and the habit of reading is gradually diminishing. What was once a common practice, taking time to sit down with a book and read seriously, has now become a fading and old-fashioned hobby. All over the world, especially in our society, people are moving towards brief content for entertainment and information. The notion that reading is only for education is mistaken; in reality, it is a source of spiritual and mental peace. The decline in the habit of reading is not just a social trend but a dangerous signal for our thoughts, imagination, and wisdom.

Now, a question arises: are books truly being forgotten? Or do they still have the power to give new light, inspiration, and life?

A Personal Observation: A Small Library at Krakow Airport

Very recently, I was waiting for my flight at Krakow Airport in Poland. While it’s common to see people busy on their mobile phones at airports, I was surprised to see a small library there. Books of different languages were on the shelves, and people were freely picking them up and reading. Some people were engrossed in books while waiting for their flights, and when it was time to board, they would read and then return the books to the same spot so others could benefit. This sight was amazing to me, and it made me realize again how precious books are.

At that moment, I felt that books are not just books, but friends who accompany you on any journey, during any wait, and in any difficult moment. I was left wondering if the habit of reading had really ended. If such a passion for reading exists in an airport, where everyone is in a hurry, why can’t we revive it in our own society? This one incident forced me to realize that books are not just a source of information, but a joy that everyone can experience.

Why is the Habit of Reading Decreasing in Society?

There are several reasons for the decline in the habit of reading. For example, people lose themselves in the problems of employment, education, and other issues. But the most important reason is the increasing consumption of social media and digital content. Platforms like TikTok and Reels provide quick and short-term entertainment, which reduces interest in reading longer content. Another reason is the weakness of our education system, where reading is considered just a means to pass exams, not a tool for personal growth. Finally, the problem of access to books is also a major obstacle. Libraries are either non-existent or inactive in our areas, which makes it difficult for people to get new books.

Benefits of Reading Books

There is not just one benefit of reading books; the list can be long. For example, reading broadens the mind and opens new avenues for thinking. It also generates patience, awareness, and empathy, which enhances a person’s ability to speak and write. The act of reading connects an individual to the world and its history. Psychologically, books also provide companionship and help people feel less lonely.

Suggestions to Revive the Habit of Reading

Reviving the habit of reading is a collective effort. The government and social institutions need to pay serious attention to this. The following suggestions can help achieve this goal:

1. Establish community libraries: Small and easy-to-manage libraries should be established in every village and city. These libraries should not only have books but also weekly reading programs and book discussion sessions.
2. Use digital content correctly: Instead of short videos on digital platforms, authors should be encouraged to share short stories, poetry, and articles. Establishing e-book and online public libraries can make books more accessible to people.
3. Role of parents and teachers: Parents should read storybooks to their children from an early age. The habit of reading should be made a part of the curriculum in schools, and a special period should be designated for reading every week.
4. Open and free libraries: Models like the one at Krakow Airport can be established at our bus stops, parks, and other public places. Such open book racks or cupboards will encourage people to read.

Conclusion

The purpose of this article is to say that just as seeing people engrossed in books at Krakow Airport made me realize that seekers of knowledge and literature still exist, the habit of reading is not a fading light. Rather, if society gives it importance, it can still become a new inspiration and breath of life. Reading books is not just a habit; it broadens the mind and gives wings to imagination. It connects us with different worlds and makes our thinking deeper and more conscious. If we want to bring this light back to our society, we have to work together so that books become an essential part of our lives, and we start with ourselves by carrying books and encouraging others to adopt this habit. To forget books is to forget the light within ourselves, and to keep them alive is to see human life with new eyes.

Read: Participatory Politics for Democratic Voice

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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.

The post How to Revive the Reading Habit? first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Sindh govt. should transform its 40 libraries into Cultural Centers

By Q. Isa Daudpota

The Government of Sindh’s Ministry of Culture and its Department of Libraries are guardians of more than 40 libraries in the province. It would be best to transform them into cultural centers that include their current printed matter. Setting up Film Clubs in each of them would be an easy, economical first step.

The website suggests the top 100 movies which can be freely downloaded by a few libraries that have fast Internet connections. These can then be easily shared with libraries elsewhere.

Top movies in different languages with English subtitles should also be collected. Include art films from Pakistan and India too.

Libraries shouldn’t waste money buying expensive projectors/media-projectors as movies can be watched on TV screens or even individual cell phones with the audience in the same room.

The idea is not mere entertainment. These clubs must help develop critical skills in movie analysis among viewers through discussion with an expert in the room.  This can be supplemented through analysis of the films on YouTube and discussing reviews in international newspapers and magazines on the Net. All film shows must be led by a film critic – each librarian will need to find a few such persons in each town.

This requires no expense other than a small honorarium for the critic supervising the session.

The Government of Sindh can start this project in a handful of bigger libraries and then quickly expand to others.

Read: Greening of Sindh University

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The author, hailing from Sindh, is an Islamabad resident. Email: daudpota@gmail.com Tel: 0300 9104088

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“Except the barbarian age, in the history of mankind, only books have ruled the world,” a famous quotation

Books are a person’s true companions, bringing light to the darkness of life. “Whatever human being desire on this earth, the method to achieve it, has been written in books,” Napoleon had said.

A glance at a book and you’re inside the mind of another person, may be somebody dead for thousands of years. Across the millennia, an author is speaking and silently influencing us. Reading books can help maintain cognitive function and memory, which can lower the risk of developing cognitive problems in old age, such as dementia.

A study shows that those who regularly read books for 30 minutes per day have mortality rate (death from various diseases) reduced by at least 20 percent compared to those who do not have the habit of reading books. Another study with a long duration also said that those who regularly read books tended to live two years longer than those who did not read any books, newspapers, or magazines. That means reading can also increase a person’s life expectancy.

However, the activity of reading books has lately been neglected by various circles for reasons of being busy, which is an indication of a scarcity of knowledge in the future. New media, IT, TV, and Nintendo have actively contributed to the death of reading.

The United States has a strong reading culture, which is reflected in the number of books and newspapers published specifically in the country compared to the rest of the world. But unfortunately, on the other hand, Pakistan is among those countries where the trend of reading is not prevalent. A Gallup survey found that 75% of people in Pakistan have only read course books in their lifetime. This trend may be attributed to various factors, including a lack of library and self-study culture, as well as a focus on degree attainment. Personally, I believe this is a concerning trend for our country.

William Shakespeare, an English playwright, poet, and actor, did not have a professional degree. However, it is interesting to note that many universities require students to study Shakespeare’s works as part of their bachelor’s or master’s degree programs.

Essentially, the education system plays a crucial role in shaping reading habits. In some cases, the emphasis on rote learning and exam-focused education leaves little room for promoting a love for reading.

There are several ways to promote a reading culture nationwide, such as:

– Holding countrywide literary festivals on regular basis

– Organizing book-review competitions in schools and colleges

– Conducting seminars to raise awareness about the benefits of reading

– Holding book fairs in cities every month

– Promoting library culture in every city of Pakistan

Salwa Khokhar

BBA student at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science & Technology, Larkana Campus

The post Book Reading: A Therapy for Mental Health first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Karachi

U.S. Consul General Nicole Theriot and Sindh Culture Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah signed the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the four Lincoln Corners (LCs) located in public libraries in Karachi, Hyderabad, Khairpur, and Larkana.  Lincoln Corner Karachi at the Liaquat Memorial Library is the largest in Sindh and features a unique one-of-a-kind space in Pakistan called “Startup Lab” where aspiring entrepreneurs can turn ideas into a startup business using the latest technology and equipment – all for free.

Lincoln Corners are partnerships between the United States and Pakistani public libraries, universities, and community centers.  They are event spaces and resource centers that connect young leaders with the United States.  Online and in-person programs are free and open to the public, a tangible symbol of the strength and breadth of U.S.-Pakistan relations.

“As we celebrate 75 years of U.S.-Pakistan relations, our Lincoln Corners in Pakistan contribute to expanding our people-to-people ties, bringing Pakistanis and Americans together, and providing access to educational resources and information.  Lincoln Corners highlight the shared values among Pakistanis and Americans, especially with regard to education and democracy,” noted Consul General Theriot at the ceremony.

Since 2013, in partnership with the Department of Culture, the Government of Sindh and the U.S. Consulate General Karachi have supported these four Lincoln Corners at the public libraries of Sindh.  The Lincoln Corners in Karachi, Hyderabad, Khairpur, and Larkana are a part of a network of 18 Lincoln Corners throughout Pakistan and over 600 American Spaces around the world.  The Pakistan American Cultural Center (PACC) has been providing programming and logistical support to the Lincoln Corners in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces through a $1 million grant funded by the U.S. Government. (PR)

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I feel there is something reassuring and safe about libraries. The thrill of discovery, looking for that elusive book, climbing the footstool to reach the top shelf to find a hidden gem and the sensory pleasure of the smell and touch of books are all part of the library experience.

By Nazarul Islam

My tryst with libraries began when I was probably nine years old, and my parents weary with two young children wanted to find a way of keeping us occupied while they got some well-earned free time! Once he asked an elder cousin to take me The British Council Library on Fuller Road, Dacca. This became a welcome destination of the 60s and my treasure trove of delight because sometimes I could walk full three miles to the place.

I found a new world and rejoiced in magazines like the Children’s World, Junior Statesman, the fairy tales and my all-time favorite – the children’s version of Superman

And sooner than later, my younger brother and I were hooked. Soon we had finished most books in the Children’s Section, in the prestigious library and then started our weekly Saturday ritual. On more than one occasion, In his second hand Vespa scooter, my youngest Chacha would take us to the Children’s library and the Balda Gardens, which boasted of a private museum.

In the Library, I would rush to devour the amazing collection of books and often had to be dragged out at 5 pm when the library shut and we were still in the middle of an engrossing story.

My visiting relatives from Delhi who were rich enough to visit us, Wasted no time in boasting about the mobile government libraries in Delhi. We were amazed to hear about Buses with loads of books with a driver and a librarian who would come to each area one day of the week and stay there for a few hours till people returned and borrowed books. What a brilliant idea it was.

Backtracking those wonderful days, I felt that the bureaucrat who thought of this fantastic initiative should be given a medal. Children’s Library for many years, offered me the joys of reading—stories of friendship, sacrifice, tragedy, sufferings, poverty and human kindness. There was heroism, treachery, evil and goodness and in the end good prevailed over the evil. There was always a moral lesson to draw, that I shared with my parents.

I enjoyed and looked forward to my library escapades till I was 12 years old. And, this was my staple source of Enid Blytons, Nancy Drew, William, Biggles, the classics and of course the Austen’s. All this was for a paltry one rupee library card that had to be renewed once a year.

How can I forget the train libraries? Again what an ingenious idea of a book loving Railway bureaucrat! As soon as we got into the GT express or the AJanta or KK express (as it was then called), for the long 48 hour journey, the first thing was to check out the tiny library in one of the compartments and borrow four books to be read on the top berth of the train, oblivious to everyone and anything else. Whenever we visited relatives in India, we looked forward to travel on trains that carried Children’s books.

My school library was full of interesting books by English authors. My love for English literature started because of my teacher Br. Thomas O’Keefe who generated our particular interest by telling us some wonderful stories, backed by references to available books in school library.

He was also the librarian with whom we would earnestly discuss the works of Suitable authors for our age. Later, in Senior Classes, he accepted me to assist him as his assistant Librarian of the school Library—a coveted post, that made feel proud.

Beginning from here, onwards—looking for quaint libraries in every city has become a passion. I have been fortunate to visit nearly 60 cities in 45 countries. I was required to visit overseas to promote academic collaboration, curriculum exchange and training programs. I worked for a British Charity which promoted Skill Development Programs in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.

In the course of my work, whenever, I had chanced to visit New York, London, Amsterdam, Sydney or Zurich—I took time to visit the decor and glamor of the huge libraries, particularly the institution’s Children’s Section. I always enjoyed visiting the International Cultural Section, which offered information

I was able to pass on an enhanced level of interest for books to my children. All of them enjoyed the visits to book stores and libraries. When, the Islam family migrated to US, they found themselves at home in the nearest libraries that boasted of exciting sections for children and young adults. Their regular visits catalyzed their strong interest to their education, and career development. Perhaps, this habit was instrumental in career development. All of them excelled in life.

On a Training Session in the UK, I was delighted to live in a flat that was a 10-minute walk from the Manchester City library with its 1850s architecture and a great selection of books on science and art read between cups of hot chocolate from the library café.

I feel there is something reassuring and safe about libraries. The thrill of discovery, looking for that elusive book, climbing the footstool to reach the top shelf to find a hidden gem and the sensory pleasure of the smell and touch of books are all part of the library experience.

Children’s libraries with reading areas, in particular, lead to voyages of adventure to rich imaginary lands for every child, regardless of gender, income, disability, caste or religion. It is hence such a wonderful initiative that in the small urban centers of Karachi, and Dhaka, the Government started new rural children’s libraries this year, some of them with books in Braille.

Once again the brilliant brainchild of a book-loving bureaucrat!

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About the Author

The Bengal-born writer is a senior educationist based in USA. He writes for Sindh Courier and the newspapers of Bangladesh, India and America.

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