LAHORE: Punjab University Department of Information Management and PU Library jointly organised a seminar on ‘Role of Reading in Personality Development’ to mark the World Book and Copyright Day on Friday. Punjab Commission on the Status of Women Chairperson Dr Fauzia Waqar, Principal Oriental College Prof Fakhar-ul-Noori, Chairperson Department of Information Management Prof Kanwal Ameen, poet Rehman Faris, faculty members, librarians and a large number of students attended the event. The speakers urged the government to take measures for promoting book reading and book loving culture in the country by offering subsidy on books and establishing more libraries. In her address, Dr Fouzia Waqar said that the book reading culture was diminishing with each passing day in Pakistan. She said there was strong connection between deep study and behaviours, emotions, feelings and awareness. She said reading habit produces positive thoughts which ensure a healthy life. Dr Fakhar-ul-Haq Noori said that for gaining knowledge, teachers should be more inclined towards reading books as compared to students. He said that books are always a good trainer and nobody could deny their importance. Dr Kanwal Ameen said that one could feel relaxed after reading literature, novels, etc. “We know about hidden aspects of society through book reading. In this era, our schools have not any book reading corner. Attitude of librarians at colleges is one of the main hindrances in promotion of reading culture in country,” she added. Rehman Faris said that books are most important tool in character building and parents, schools, colleges and universities should play their role for promoting reading habits. He said that government should reduce prices of books so that students could buy reading material from their own pockets. He said that there was no substitute of books and “we must exchange books as gifts.” Dr Haroon Usmani said that a person who does not love books cannot evolve in life. He said students should also read books other than the curriculum. Published in Daily Times, April 21st 2018.