Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis said “There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.”
The Karachi book fair held at Expo was indeed a treat to watch. People from all walks of life thronged the fair. Amazingly, children also swarmed in like honey bees. Being an ardent book lover from my school days, I never saw such enthusiasm and love for books in people for decades. A very healthy and positive sign that people still have love for books and still they buy and read books. It has rather turned down the notion that electronic media has taken place of print media. Books always bear a focal place in the life of Man. No doubt, Almighty Allah has chosen the medium of book for sending his commandments to mankind. It depicts the pivotal role books play in the life of man.
The book fair was intelligently organized and well orchestrated. Such events instill and inculcate civic sense and love for books in our new generation. The most plausible point was that most of renowned publishers offered upto 50% discount on books which induced visitors to buy more & more books. However, prices were quite on higher side, and to some extent, out of the range of common man. Government must fix maximum price limit for booksellers and publishers. How one can buy a book of Rs.3000 or Rs.4000. The tendency of charging more and more profit must be checked forthwith.
The habit of book reading helps in shaping and moulding personality and character of a child. It broadens our vision and approach towards life. Biographies of great personalities help us ponder how these great people achieved success in their life.
It is hoped that authorities will keep arranging such events to attract common people towards books. It will, definitely, kindle the love of book reading in their hearts.
IFTIKHAR MIRZA,
Islamabad, November 17.