The Asia Foundation (AF) Islamabad has provided over 1034 books on Monday relating to different disciplines to Sindh University, Jamshoro in a book exhibition for the central and seminar libraries of the university. Gareth Aicken, Country Representative of the Asia Foundation presented the books to the Vice Chancellor Dr Nazir A Mughal in a book exhibition organised by Sindh University, Jamshoro.
The Vice Chancellor in his speech said that he was grateful to the Asia Foundation Books for Asia programme and promised that the donated books will be used well by the students and teachers of the university. He said that the books donated to Sindh University will be beneficial for the students of not only Sindh university but also sister universities including Mehran Engineering University and Liaqat Medical University.
He further said that SU had become major focal institution in conducting research in the country adding that after his joining as Vice Chancellor in 2010, he introduced a slogan with the name "culture of research" that resulted the producing of 136 PhD's in three years. Dr Mughal said reading of books was indispensable for new ideas, innovations and research. "We should respect our teachers, elders so as all the people, no matter what ideologies they are with", Dr Mughal said.
He said that Sindh University stood eleventh in the list of all 247 public and private universities issued by Higher Education Commission (HEC). It was the result of research which helped SU to be on the top, he stated. Speaking on the occasion, Gareth Aicken highlighted the roll of The Asia Foundation and its books for Asia Programme. It may be noted that the Asia Foundation has been active in contributing to the development of Pakistan since 1954, and its program has been a key part of varsities' assistance in Sindh.
It is the most respected book donation programme in Pakistan. To Date AF has donated more than 16,552 books to University of Sindh and its seminar libraries since 1987. The Asia Foundation donate brand-new English language book from leading publishers to educational institutions throughout Pakistan. Since 1954 The Asia Foundation have distributed more than 3 million books to thousands of Pakistani schools, colleges, universities, NGOs, public libraries in Pakistan and take books to far flung areas where they would have a significant impact and to expand the books for Asia outreach in Sindh.