Finland’s development as a welfare state and remarkable educational system was a topic of much debate during the launch of Dr Ilkka Taipale’s “100 Innovations of Finland”.
The many developmental skills that Pakistan can learn from Finland’s rapid growth from agrarian to industrialised economy in the 1950s was also discussed during the launch of the book, translated from Finnish to Urdu by Finnish Immigration Consular Mohammed Arshad Farooq. The book has now been translated into 11 languages.
The book comprises 108 essays written by experts of different walk of life focusing, political, social, educational, economic, cultural, technological advancement in the country.
Finland has also recently ranked number one in a list of the world’s most peaceful, competitive and liveable countries. However, noted poet and intellectual Iftikhar Arif pointed out, “Though much can be learnt from Finland’s growth, all countries can’t be the same, as each country has its own history and customs that affect its politics and development.”
Dr Taipale stressed upon the importance of translating literature into other languages, saying that “language is the base of our society”. He hoped that Pakistan will soon release a book about their 100 innovations in Finnish.
Arif said that in developing countries, translation work is carried out by the information ministries, with biases and propaganda instilled. Even though there is extensive distribution of such work, it is not read by many. However, in developed countries social scientists and analysts carry out this function, which is less biased and more informative.
Dr Taipale pointed out that the reason for Finland’s sound educational system is that they facilitate their students by keeping education free and giving university students allowances while they are studying. Participants at the book launch were each treated to a copy of the book, and candy and chocolate from Finland.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2012.
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