Saturday, April 30, 2016
Kabul (BNA) World Book Day celebrated in Afghanistan while the culture of Reading book is fading in the country and reviving this unique culture requires public awareness.
BNA social analyst commenting on the issue writes World Book and Author Day in Afghanistan is of special importance, the country is facing great political and social developments and there is no doubt such developments seriously impact the cultural life of the people.
The Afghan people enjoying of having a unique ancient cultural and literary background and many popular scholars, men of science, writers, and poets were the sons of this holy land, not only the Afghan people and the region but also the entire world own and honor them. Therefore, the Afghans know better than the other communities do the importance of study and its values in today’s life. Unfortunately, due to displacements, migrations, economic poverty in last decades caused imposed war, in addition the development of information technology have badly impact on culture of reading book that was followed by our ancestors since long times. Therefore, the culture of studying book is fading in the country and can be called it an acute social problem and for settling it public awareness is needed and the role of cultural, educated people and politicians of great importance.
It is a clear fact that in a country where almost 70 % of its population is illiterates, destructive, imposed fighting continuing, and revival of book reading culture would not be an easy task. In spite of that, a strong will and intention would be a concrete step toward settling the problem just creating incentives among the people is required.
Today lack of awareness of people from certain fact is a grave problem in our community. Therefore, encouraging the people to literacy and equipping them with religious and modern sciences can be a considered a great help to overcome the problem.
As we said earlier, for generalization of the culture reading book first public awareness needed. To meet this humane goal, fighting triviality and heinous traditions unfortunately many of our youths are involved is a must.
Pulpits of the mosques, schools, and media in general can play an effective role in struggle against negative traditions and trivialities; therefore, the people cordially wish them to perform their mission in that regard and spare no any effort saving the true values of our culture.
In addition, the culture of book reading can boosted through conducting book-reading competitions. For this purpose, social and cultural organizations, even political parties, and groups can play a significant role. The mentioned sources by conducting reading competitions and design effective programs can draw the attention of youths to the importance of study. Likewise, it is required for schools and higher education institute to make studding books a part of their students’ homework and precisely evaluated it.
The other problem is quality of books in bookshops. Most of the books sold in the bookshops are lack of necessary quality. There are spelling errors, low quality printing, and existence of books that cannot meet the requirements of today. To overcome this problem supporting the publishers via capacity building much needed. We draw the attention of the relevant organs to this urgent issue.
In this, regard the state programs especial the ministry of information and culture according to which they try by further strengthening public libraries and increasing their quality in the capital and provinces draw the public attention to reading book is of great importance and value.
