UAF NEWS

The University of Agriculture Faisalabad has opened a three-day book fair on Tuesday 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 around 50,000 books were put on the display at the disconnected rate. UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Zafar Iqbal Randhawa, who was flanked with Library Principal Officer Dr Umar Farooq, Dean Agriculture Dr Muhammad Aslam, Dean Veterinary Sciences Dr Zafar Iqbal Qureshi, Director Procurement Dr Umar Saeed Qadri, Burewala UAF sub-campus Principal Dr Sajid Mehmood and others, inaugurated the fair. It offered a vast range of printed material ranging from art to science; agriculture to engineering; Urdu, English literature, Islamic books, medical books, basic and applied sciences, history, biographies, novels and kids books. 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. Addressing on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor Dr Zafar Iqbal Randhawa said that it is a matter of grave concern that book reading habit is on the decline in the society for which stepped up efforts are needed to address the issue at national level. He said that we have to cultivate the reading culture so that we could harvest the fruits of intellect and excellence. He said that in the modern era, people are glued to TV, mobile phones and wasting much of their time in gadgets. He added that there was a time when the people were used to keep books under their pillows and to study till midnight. We have to revive the trend. Book is the best companion, he said, adding that while constructing houses, we have to set up a reading and prayer room as well besides drawing, dining room, and TV longue so that book reading habits will furnished in the kids and youngster who will see parents to study. He said the habit of reading books was very important not only for education and research but to develop one’s character and personality. Dr Umar Farooq said that although students were getting good grades but they lacks in their personality grooming due to declining trend of reading general books. He said that books flourish intellect, creativity, own thinking 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 event will continue for three days for students and general public. He said that it is annual feature of university and it is the 20th book fair.