A large-scale, three-day-long book fair in Gwadar ended on Monday, leaving the participants hopeful and longing for such programs in the future. The book fair attracted a large number of people from not only Gwadar and its environs, but other remote areas of Balochistan as well. Hundreds of students, academics, writers and bibliophiles travelled to Gwadar, yearning to browse through stacks of books and look for their favourite authors. Several speakers addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of book reading and encouraging the organizers to continue organizing such programs in the future.
Speaking at the book fair, Patron General RCD Council, Khuda Baksh Hashmi, said that books teach us about the culture and history of human societies. He said that the books give us a vicarious experience of the author’s world – we travel throughout the world without leaving the comfort of our homes. Hashmi encouraged the listeners to build a small library for themselves in their homes where they can store books from their favourite authors. He said that we should also encourage our family members and friends to read books. “If we humans had thoroughly read books and put their teachings into practise, we could have avoided some of the greatest catastrophes of our times”, he said.
Baloch poet and writer AR Dad Baloch said that even though I am a teacher, I still consider myself a student. You can get whichever book you want from whichever author you like the most. Dad resented that our politicians don’t read books which is why they are so narrow-minded. He said that the people around us have erected buildings several stories tall, but libraries are still a rarity in Balochistan.
Activist Maheen Wahid Baloch of the Mistagh Foundation said that my father always instructed me to read books and convey their message to the people around me. She said by following this advice, we can not only learn but also teach others and spread awareness in our societies. She also admired the large number of women who had participated in the book fair along with their male counterparts.
Chief Secretary Balochistan Mathar Riaz Rana also participated in the book fair on the last day. He said that civilizations grow with the promotion of science, literature and fine arts. “We should highlight the importance of literature and fine arts in children and make them friends with books”, he said.
Rana also visited the bookstalls and bought several books and handicrafts. He told the organizers of the book fair that the district administrations stand by them and supports their demands. He said that the administration is working to set up a cultural complex in Gwadar.
The chief secretary also visited the Hope Foundation’s Blood Bank during the book fair and announced the provision of an electro processing machine to the Seoul Hospital in Gwadar at the request of the foundation.
He also announced the construction of an Open Air Theatre and a PC One at the RCD Council in Gwadar. During the visit, the President of the RCD Council, Nasir Rahim, informed the chief secretary of the various problems confronting the Gwadar District Arts, Gwadar Eid Mela and other social and cultural organizations. Rana assured him that these problems will be addressed.