World Book and Copyright Day
By Abid Hussain
Assistant Library Officer National Defence University Islamabad
World book or world book copyright day peoples also known as an international day of the book or world book days. Always celebrated on 23rd April every year. The initiative steps were taken by the bookseller in Spain in regards of an author named Miguel de Cervantes who died on the same date and for the honour of that author first time in Spain this day was celebrated but later on in 23, April 1995 UNESCO stated this date to celebrate it every year because on this date the birth and death anniversary of William Shakespeare also happened now since 1995 this day is celebrated in all over the world. The main purpose of Copyright Day is an occasion to pay a worldwide tribute to books and authors and to motivate people to discover the pleasure of reading and promote reading habits in the public of the community , publishing new materials and protect the right of an author and copyright issue of peoples whose are taking a keen interest to publish something in their concerned field . In Pakistan this day is celebrated by Department of Libraries, Alumni Associations and Universities bring awareness amongst peoples to promote reading habits and alive books worth in the community.
Peoples are taking keen interest to celebrate this day in Pakistan. On 23rd April to memoir this day Education Department of Pakistan and Department of Libraries also celebrated this day. Peoples were informed through call due to shortage of time. Most of the people joined this day a walk was arranged from D Chowk. At Punjab University a Library seminar was also arranged which was addressed by Prof Dr Arifa Syeda Zuhra, and PU Vice Chancellor Dr Mujahid Kamran, renowned analyst Oriya Maqbool Jan. Whereas, Chairperson Prof Dr Kanwal Amin, Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, faculty members, representatives of the Pakistan Library Association and Alumni Association, librarians and students were also present on the occasion and walk was also arranged. In Peshawar University PUCLA (Peshawar University Campus Library Association) Arranged this auspicious day to remind the peoples the world of the book . The Seminar was organized by Peshawar University Campus Libraries Association at Sahibzada Abdul Qayum Hall University of Peshawar. Vice Chancellor University of Peshawar Prof. Dr. Muhammad Rasul Jan was the chief guest of the day. President PUCL Dr. Jannat Naeem grace the guest with warmth wishes some Prominent scholars, Students, and large number of Library professional contributed a lot as usual. They also arrange a short walk from the admin block to the VC Chowk.
Conclusion
The World Book and Copyright Day is an occasion on 23rd April every year to pay a worldwide tribute to books and authors and to encourage people to recall the pleasure of reading. It is a way which will lead to the renewed respect for those who have made contributions to social and cultural progress. In Pakistan round about 85 percent peoples don’t go even to library to issue books and other materials and make a habit of reading. This is really a very shocking news for all of us, although the government of Pakistan Spending most budgets and hiring more Professional to encourage people towards the library. Let’s join hands to redirect the peoples and make Pakistan a developed nation because a developed nation can be created only through education and Libraries are the best sources of education.
