Campus activities: Over 30,000 books sold at PU book fair

Vice chancellor urges philosophers to tackle national challenges.

LAHORE:

Over 30,000 books were sold on the first day (Thursday) of Pakistan’s largest book fair held at Punjab University New Campus, according to the data provided by the Punjab University administration.

A large number of journalists, writers, doctors, lawyers, engineers and students visited the book fair on Friday. A large number of children, senior citizens and special persons were also seen visiting the stalls.

Vice Chancellor Mujahid Kamran told the media at the book fair that knowledge essential for development and prosperity. He said parents must guide their children towards books. He said the purpose of the book fair was to provide books on discounted rates on various subjects under one roof.

Journalist Atta-ur-Rehman, who was visiting with the vice chancellor, said inexpensive books were a good way to encourage a reading habit. He said he was happy to see the large number of people at the fair.



Many visitors at the book fair said that they were grateful to the PU administration for providing a variety of books at reasonable prices. Some of them also praised the security and sanitation arrangements. Many said such activities must be organised at all universities.

The book fair will continue till 8pm on Saturday (today).

Pakistan Philosophical Congress

Punjab University Vice Chancellor Mujahid Kamran said that philosophers could play an active role to meet social, national and international challenges.

He was addressing the 36th Annual Session of the Pakistan Philosophical Congress (PPC) on Friday, organised by the Department of Philosophy at the Undergraduate Study Centre’s Al-Raazi Hall.

Kamran said Pakistanis were lucky to have a much more liberal atmosphere than there had been in the past. He said new ideas were well-received at this moment, and a tolerant, moderate and progressive Pakistan seemed attainable.

Philosophy Department Chair Shagufta Bokhari highlighted the history of the PPC. She said it had been established in 1954 to provide a platform for thinkers and intellectuals to discuss current philosophical and social issues annually. She said it aimed to promote the growth of philosophical activity in the country.

The theme for this year is Rationality: Prospects and Challenges.

The session will continue till April 6.

President PPC Ghazala Irfan, Professor Absar Ahmed, Attib Gul, Shahid Mehmood Gul, faculty members, delegates from various universities and a large number of students were also present.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 5^th, 2014.