Pakistan News & Features Services
The visiting library scientist, himself a student of the great Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, made the generous offer during a luncheon reception hosted in his honour by Bazm-e-Akram at Usmania Restaurant in Karachi, on July 9.
“Obviously more funds would be needed to meet the additional costs of printing and postage. For this purpose I volunteer to arrange for a sum of Rupees two and half lacs with the collaboration of my colleagues in Saudi Arabia and I sincerely hope that the other supporters of Bazm-e-Akram will also come forward with their contributions to make it a sustainable platform,” he added.
She disclosed that sporadic efforts had been made in the past in this direction but the results were disheartening and heart-breaking.
She regretted that even the concerned library science departments of the various institutions were cold-shouldering the requests to promote the literature developed by their teachers and mentors.
Shakil Ahmed Khalil, Senior Medical Librarian, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has volunteered to raise substantial funds for Bazm-e-Akram to enable the social and literary forum of library professionals to stand on its feet.
Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, one of the founder members and the moving spirit behind Bazm-e-Akram, appreciated the offer but sought advice from the USA-based Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, in whose honour the forum has been established by his former students, before granting the approval.
Shakil Ahmed Khalil, who has been quietly supporting Bazm-e-Akram in the past as well, reckoned that Adab-o-Kutub Khana, the iconic publication of the forum, should be brought out a couple of times during the year instead of just one time.
Meanwhile the suggestions of Owais Jafrey, one of the members of Bazm-e-Akram living in Seattle, USA, aimed at promoting the forum and its publications, were also discussed at length during the meeting.
Prof Dr Nasim Fatima appreciated the contents of the email shared in this regard by Owais Jafrey on July 8, in which the possible measures were suggested to do something to activate and change the lethargic attitude of librarians and muster support to awaken them for collective betterment.
She regretted that even the concerned library science departments of the various institutions were cold-shouldering the requests to promote the literature developed by their teachers and mentors.
Shakil Ahmed Khalil, however, felt that there was light at the end of the tunnel and greater efforts must be made to motivate the librarians community for carrying forward the mission of Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari and Prof Dr Nasim Fatima both of whom have worked tirelessly and selflessly for the cause of the profession.
Delighted that my suggestions were discussed, disappointed that efforts of Bazm-e-Akram were cold shouldered by the Library science Departments of various libraries. Very impressed by Mr. Shakil Ahmad Khalil's efforts in raising enormous funds for the project. I don't think that librarians in Pakistan can match this amount. Bravo! May Allah bless you for all that you have done and are doing.
ReplyDeleteAppreciatively,
M. Owais Jafrey
thanks jumbo,let us see what comes out of words.
ReplyDeletenasim