Srinagar, Apr 24: A day after holding exhibitions of rare books and manuscripts in the state, the Department of Libraries and Research Saturday organized a daylong seminar – Books and Society - at SP College in connection with the World Book Day.
 The seminar was presided over by eminent scholar, Prof GR Malik. A large number of students and book lovers were present on the occasion.
 Besides Prof Malik, several writers, columnists and university teachers including Prof WA Alvi, Prof Zahoor Ahmad Chat, Ghulam Nabi Khayal, ZG Muhammad, Prof Hamid Naseem Rafiabadi, Prof Prem Singh, Dr Hameeda Nayeem and Ajaz-ul-Haque read papers highlighting the importance of books in changing the society.
 The speakers stressed on the role books have played in imbibing passion in people and bringing about their political and economic emancipation.
 The role of writers in sensitizing the society towards the social and moral problems being vital also came in for special focus. The participating speakers impressed upon the writers of the state to dedicate their pen for fighting social evils in the society and for strengthening its moral fabric. 
 A message from Director, Libraries and Research, Khalid Bashir Ahmad was also read during the seminar in which he spelt out measures being taken to strengthen the library facilities in the state.
 Deputy Director Libraries and Research, Kashmir, Bashir Ahmad Khan thanked the participating speakers and the audience for making the function a success.
 Meanwhile, people in large numbers from all walks of life visited the exhibition on rare books and manuscripts organized by the Department of Libraries & Research at Kala Kendra Jammu on the second day.
 The exhibition was Friday extended by two days on the request of the visitors who showed keen interest in the books and manuscripts displayed in the exhibition.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 IST