Lahore is known for being the cultural heart of the country. While we all know about the main spots that we visit and take those visiting, there is a hidden gem that needs to be reclaimed.
Majlis-e-Taraqqi-e-Adab (Board for Advancement of Literature), was founded in 1950 with the aim to preserve Urdu literature. Originally it was named, Majlis-e-Tarjuma, because at that time the organization was mainly responsible for translating texts from Arabic, Persian and English into Urdu, to ensure that the knowledge they held was made available for a wider audience. Later, in 1954, its name was changed to the one that it still carries.
Today, this institute carries approximately twenty-eight thousand books and continues to publish books on a diverse range of genres including; history, politics, religion, mythology, science and philosophy. A large chunk of these are translations and also includes research papers.
Located just off the Mall Road past the entrance of GOR| 1, before the Pearl Continental Hotel, this public sector institution is housed in one of the buildings at the very back, among the typical old bungalow architecture, with their signature high ceilings, airy verandahs, peeling paint and lawns with tree cover.
As per Osama Siddique, the author of Snuffing out the Moon, who recently visited the facility (opting for all the social distancing protocols) in search of some books, the prices are ridiculously inexpensive. For a mere PKR 4,000/- after discount he bought 25 books. He also praised the staff in a social media post, sharing that it is being led by an intellectual and the rest of the team was quite friendly and helpful.
The place for sure can use some upgrade on the front of marketing and digital presence so that people can order online as well. While it surely is the responsibility of those in the management and the government body responsible for maintaining such institutions, it is important that the general public also pitches in. Visit the place, talk to the people working there and most importantly buy books from them. Showing interest in these places and owning them will help push those managing it to get innovative when they see that there is an interest and demand.
Institutions like the Majlis-e-Taraqqi-e-Adab, add value to the culture in general and are one of the hidden gems of the city that needs to be explored.
Copyrights of pictures: Osama Siddique
TOPICS: Culture, books, Lahore, Pakistan, Language, History, Book Shops
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https://pk.mashable.com/culture/4214/majlis-e-taraqqi-e-adab-the-hidden-gem-of-lahore
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