In an ignorance and illiteracy stricken society institution of library may not enjoys the status of most deserving instrument of socio-cultural elevation of its people. But if we could understand the secret of the success of our ancestors and of course the contemporary civilisations around the world, then not only the immediate revival but also the promotion of library culture carries the foremost priority for the people at the helm of affairs.
There were half a dozen good libraries in the twin cities few years back. With the passage of time most of those have been either burnt by extremists or demolished by the authorities under one pretext or the other. If one asks a bureaucrat of ministry of education about a library in the capital, at first instance he would lost in his mind to recollect any memory of a library in Islamabad.
However, the lower grade naib-qasid sitting around would definitely tell you about the National Library of Pakistan situated behind the Prime Minister Secretariat in the high security zone. One could imagine how a reader could have an easy access to the National Library of Pakistan. In fact one cannot quench the thirst of knowledge as far as that library is concerned. Practically speaking the National Library has been abandoned for the people of Pakistan as it is under siege on account of its location in red zone.
The National Library Complex is stretched on a vast land of prime importance with an auditorium having the capacity over 450 people. The library itself is considered the official repository and custodian of literary heritage of the country. It has over 200,000 books covering almost all the areas of knowledge including literature, history, geography, political, social and physical sciences, philosophy and psychology, international relations, arts and culture and many others.
Over 10,000 books are treated as the rare collection and a precious treasure of 561 manuscripts is also awaiting researchers and students. It may be recalled that the repository of 9,000 books of Model Children Library, which was first illegally occupied by the cleric extremists followed by official demolishment in dictator's era, has also been shifted to the National Library. There are over 46 titles in Braille system available here. The acquisition and making of bibliographic data regarding books published in the country also falls in the foremost purview of the library.
The library has evolved a system of membership to facilitate readers with modes of issuance of books or indoor study. There are about 800 members of the library. And one would wonder that turn out of readers remains within the figure of 40 to 80 or even less than that.
Now imagine there is a repository of 200,000 books and scores of magazines, newspapers and manuscripts to be benefited only by 40 to 80 persons in a day. Is not it a tragic scenario of a society, which claimed to be the custodian of 'IQRA' an icon of our spiritual heritage based on the cherished values of knowledge, vision and wisdom.
Feminine vision of life:
A thought provoking exhibition of 55 prints, providing food for thought to the viewers for about a fortnight has come to an end on December 30 at the Nomad Art Gallery, Islamabad. The exhibits are the exponent of vision of seven budding artists hailing from the Fatima Jinnah Women University. They are Reema Fawwad, Anila Khokhar, Sana Sehrish, Saira Ijaz, Wajeeha Kamal, Sumuyya Khan and Maryam Sabir.
The art of print making is considered most delicate and requires imaginative, creative and laborious behaviour of the artist. One creates images on certain object of wood or metal, put it on a pressing machine and get the printed accomplishment either in single copy or multiple of it. Each copy carries different texture, it is why the print artist put serial number on each print so that the viewer could enjoy its texture accordingly.
It is highly promising that the budding artists have selected the burning socio-cultural issues accumulated around us for their creative pursuits. It also shows how our young generation see the hard realities of life and their perception about peace, prosperity and progress. The prints made by Reema Fawwad caught the viewer to absorb into the texture and the issues discussed in them.
She has given the title of 'Pakistan: a dream gone sour' to her collection. It deals with the perspective of independence movement and creation of Pakistan with high hopes and dreams by the Muslims of the sub-continent under the indomitable and committed leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
But the post Jinnah era did not follow the cherished values of building an equitable just society for its people. With the passage of time hopes and dreams tended to shatter. The work of Reema ignites several questions to the viewer's mind. I suppose it is a big success for the artist.
Anila Khokhar dealt with the fantasy of childhood and the enjoyment of that age. It is a difficult subject, which she handled skilfully and with full aesthetic balance. The prints made by Anila send a message of innocence and softness to be incorporated in our day to day social engagements.
Sana Sehrish gave a psychological treatment to her work and discussed the agonies of people living around her. Despite of it one could see a beam of hope in her prints. The prints of Saira Ijaz explain the philosophical behaviour of the artist towards life. She discussed the issues like fate and deeds and their results in life.
She motivates the viewer for struggle against all odds and constraints blocking the way leading to the destination of success, progress and prosperity. Wajeeha Kamal's prints explain the complexity of human emotions and sentiments and their outlet in different socio-cultural channels. According to her expression of emotion is the pre requisite for leading a peaceful and happy life.
Sumayya Khan deals with the emotional stress in life and its cure through healthy and progressive mind set and deeds. Maryyam Sabir discussed the evolution of human life along with its different segments and their allied issues. The print exhibition offers a promising feminine vision towards life and a progressive message to enter the new year 2010.