The University of Agriculture Faisalabad has opened a four-day book fair on Monday at its Main Library, meant to promote book reading habit in the society.

The University of Agriculture Faisalabad has opened a four-day book fair on Monday at its Main Library, meant to promote book reading habit in the society. As many as 35 publishers across the country have set up their stalls in which 60,000 books were put on the display at the disconnected rate. It offered a vast range of printed material ranging from art to science; agriculture to engineering; literature, Islamic books, basic and applied sciences, history, biographies, novels and kids’ corner. A large number of students, locals, faculty members, research scholars and book-lovers turned up to the library in droves to browse and get the books of their interest. While inaugurating the book fair, UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said books are the best companion. He said that we have to cultivate the reading culture so that we could harvest the fruits of intellect and excellence. He showed his concern that the book culture was on the decline in the society for which tangible efforts were needed to instill the reading habits in the people. He said that in the modern era, when the gadgets have become essential part of our life, the importance of printed books is still intact and it can be ruled out. He added that in the past, the people were used to keep books under their pillows and to study till midnight. Librarian Umar Farooq said books flourish intellect, creativity, and brainpower in personality. He said the objective of the event was to promote book reading habit in society as well as provision of books at discount rates to book-lovers under one roof. He said that that although students were getting good grades but they lacks in their personality grooming due to declining trend of reading general books. Deans, directors and departmental heads, faculty and a large number of the students attended the inaugural session. Principal Officer Estate Management Dr Qamar Bilal, Treasurer Umar Saeed, Prof Dr Jafar Jaskani, Dr Shahbaz Talib Sahi, Dr Samar Abbas Naqvi, Dr Athar Javaid, Dr Tahir Siddique, Dr Nadeem Abbas, Dr Asim Aqeel, Senior Tutor Shoukat Ali, Dr Haroon Zaman, Dr Anwarul Haq, and other faculty member and a large number of the faculty and students attended. Clad in the traditional dresses, the students welcome the visitors.