Book launch: Progressives urged to use Urdu to reach out to public

The book is a collection of 33 published and unpublished essays.


Our Correspondent March 14, 2013
The essays are philosophical reflections on a diverse range of issues from civil society, sufism, private property textbooks and human rights. PHOTOS: CREATIVE COMMONS

ISLAMABAD:


Pakistan might have ceded most of the space for a healthy discourse, but there still some who are trying to improve the situation.


This was the message handed out by speakers at the launch of Ashfaq Saleem Mirza’s new book, “Suggestions for Discourse on Philosophy, History & Society.” The ceremony took place at the Pakistan Academy of Letters in Islamabad on Thursday.

Mirza’s book is a collection of 33 published and unpublished essays. The essays are philosophical reflections on a diverse range of issues from civil society, sufism, private property textbooks and human rights.

Speaking on the occasion, poet and writer Harris Khalique said that Mirza was one of the courageous thinkers in the country. “He is one of the very few people in Pakistan who challenge our basic assumptions so courageously not just in rhetoric but in an academic and scholarly way,” Khalique said.

He said that Mirza should be appreciated because he has written about history and philosophy in both English and Urdu.

Prof Aslam Syed said that Mirza’s book is not only worth appreciating but also worth following.



Raza Rumi spoke about the political and social relevance of Mirza’s essays. He said that the essay titled “Reforming the textbooks” is spot on because the state has used textbooks to promote an ideology of hate and bigotry for very long.

Speaking on the occasion, Mirza said that he had wanted the book to get people to think.

“Growth and development of knowledge depends on discussion and conflict of opinions,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 15th, 2013.

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