RLKU hosts Asma Hassan, Syed Khalid Mahmood for enlightening session on book reading promotion

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Rashid Latif Khan University (RLKU) and the Rashid Latif Medical College (RLMC), located on Ferozepur Road in Lahore, have emerged as leading educational institutions, striving to raise the bar in the field of health sciences with unstinted enthusiasm and total dedication. 

Under the able leadership of Prof Dr Rashid Latif Khan (Vice Chancellor) and Sabahat Khan (CEO), they have worked assiduously since establishment to carve a niche for themselves in a rather short span of time. 

Among other things, they have also earned recognition by forming the Talking Books forum, spearheaded by the versatile Shafqat Rafique, Chief Librarian, RLKU Library & Information Resource. The project has been designed to create a platform where people share life stories and experiences in sessions of 30 to 45 minute. 

They invited Syed Khalid Mahmood, Co-Founder, Karachi Festival of Books & Libraries (KFBL) and President, Rotary Club Karachi Darakhshan, along with Asma Hassan, a noted Urdu columnist and author of Mayar-e-Zindagi, for a session at their central library on November 8.

It turned out to be a truly productive and inspiring session as the RLKU team, headed by its Chief Librarian, deliberated with the learned guests on finding ways and means for engaging the youth in scholastic activities. A meaningful discussion ensued on Talking Books, E-Libraries, innovation in research, and how academic libraries can strengthen reading culture. 

Asma Hassan’s work spans leading digital and print platforms, where she highlights motivational perspectives on social issues and offers thoughtful solutions, emphasized that a mechanism needs to be brought in place to retain the students’ interest in reading books which generally declined after their school life. 

Syed Khalid Mahmood, having authored the highest number of books on the subject of sports in Pakistan, opined that the engagement of youth in reading could be enhanced phenomenally if high-quality books of their favourite topics were brought out to keep them interested. 

While wholeheartedly appreciating the input from both the distinguished guests, Shafqat Rafique did not mince words in stating that scholars like Asma Hassan and Syed Khalid Mahmood be inducted in the National and Provincial Curriculum Boards to bring about a positive change in this direction.

Asma Hassan’s captivating podcast for Radio Pakistan

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Radio Pakistan Podcast with Asma Hassan, a renowned writer and author of Mayar-e-Zindagi, turned out to be quite a captivating session as she shared her views, aimed at motivating the masses in general and the youth in particular, in a most candid fashion. 

The credit for making the interview so thrilling also belonged to Dr Karim Ahmed, the young and energetic Programme Manager of Radio Pakistan Lahore, who conducted it with high standards of professionalism on November 7. Quite remarkably, the whole session of nearly half an hour was recorded without any retake. 

Asma Hassan, during the podcast, revealed having gained the confidence to write for various newspapers and digital platforms from the training provided by her parents who always encouraged her to pursue a career of own choice. 

“Soon after completing MBA, I took to the profession of teaching because of the eagerness to share the knowledge obtained during my university life with the students. Then, since 2019, I turned towards fulfilling my ambition of making a name in the literary world. Starting with poetry, my interest then shifted towards writing motivational articles,” she recalled. 

When inquired about the publication of her first book, she disclosed that it was during the period of lockdowns caused by Covid-19 when ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ was conceived in the summer of 2020 and the team of Jumbo Publishing enabled it to see the light of the day in a matter of just a couple of months. The book was subsequently launched with great fanfare at the Karachi Press Club. 

The interviewer, quite articulately, touched on various subjects which were covered by Asma Hassan in ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ and the author explained the situations wonderfully to sustain the high intensity of the podcast. 

Upon arrival, Asma Hassan was warmly received by Dr Ahmar Sohail Basra, the station director of Radio Pakistan Lahore. The author presented a copy of her book ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ to the learned official, who praised its contents and production. Syed Khalid Mahmood of Jumbo Publishing was also present on the occasion.

Jumbo author Asma Hassan’s personality interview highlights Dayar-e-Adab magazine

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Young and promising motivational writer, Asma Hassan, whose first book Mayar-e-Zindagi turned out to be a success story, has been interviewed in detail by Dayar-e-Adab magazine. 

The personality interview has been published in the April 2023 issue of the monthly literary magazine. The editor of Dayar-e-Adab magazine, Muhammad Asif Sultani, himself has conducted the detailed interview in which various aspects of the author of Mayar-e-Zindagi, Asma Hassan, have been brought to light. 

While the interview is comprehensive and very well narrated, the designing as well as the presentation of the content also meet the highest professional standards which should further increase its readership and viewership.

Asma Hassan's interview can be accessed by clicking https://m.facebook.com/story.php

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Veteran author extols Mayar-e-Zindagi

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Jumbo Publishing’s popular book, Mayar-e-Zindagi, which is a compilation of motivational articles penned by emerging writer Asma Hassan, was presented to Raees Fatima, a famous author, columnist and novelist. 

Farheen Mahmood, Vice President, National Library Association (NLA), currently working as Chief Librarian at the iconic Adamjee Science College in Karachi, made the presentation to Raees Fatima. The Chairman of Jumbo Publishing, Syed Khalid Mahmood, also the Advisor to NLA, was also present the occasion. 

Raees Fatima, herself an author of 16 books, was impressed with the content and production of Mayar-e-Zindagi which she considered a handy reference book. She also praised the cover painting, which she reckoned, has added value to the book.

Financial Daily flashes Chinese recognition for Mayar-e-Zindagi

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services

The Financial Daily, one of the top daily newspapers of the country, published from Karachi, has prominently carried the news of Jumbo Publishing’s book Mayar-e-Zindagi, authored by Asma Hassan, earning praise from a Chinese banker. 

It may be recalled that the President of the National Library Association (NLA), Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, had recently presented a copy of Mayar-e-Zindagi to Peter Zhang Hongpeng, Deputy CEO and Deputy General of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) in Karachi. 

Besides admiring the NLA's gesture of book presentation, the Chinese banker, when explained about the motivational contents of Mayar-e-Zindagi, had nodded in its appreciation.

Mayar-e-Zindagi presented at Balochistan University

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The President of the National Library Association (NLA), Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, presented a copy of Jumbo Publishing’s marquee book Mayar-e-Zindagi, authored by promising motivational writer Asma Hassan, to Shahzadi Rahmatullah, working as lecturer at University of Balochistan’s Library & Information Science Department. 

The presentation took place at the university campus in Quetta on September 14 when the NLA President called on the seasoned lecturer, who has herself authored as many as seven books on the subject of Library & Information Science. 

Shahzadi Rahmatullah welcomed the publication of motivational books which, she reckoned, help in guiding the youngsters in particular. She praised the content of Mayar-e-Zindagi which comprise of Asma Hassan’s articles on various facets of life. 

Commending the initiatives of the NLA for the cause of the librarians all over the country, she assured her support to the Association in achieving their mutual goals of promoting library science.

Chinese accolades for Mayar-e-Zindagi

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

Pakistan News & Features Services)

After having earned recognition and praise from stalwarts of various fields in the country, Jumbo Publishing’s popular book Mayar-e-Zindagi, authored by emerging writer Asma Hassan, has now also been lauded by foreigners. 

The President of the National Library Association (NLA), Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, presented a copy of Mayar-e-Zindagi to Peter Zhang Hongpeng, Deputy CEO and Deputy General of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) in Karachi. 

Besides appreciating NLA's gesture of book presentation, the Chinese banker, when explained also commended the contents of Mayar-e-Zindagi.

The NLA President expressed his desire to have Mayar-e-Zindagi translated in Chinese language to let the nation of more than a billion people be enlightened by the meaningful articles of the book, aimed at improving life.

Poet’s tribute to Mayar-e-Zindagi

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Raheel Ahmed Narejo, working as Assistant Director at State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), who is also a poet, has praised Jumbo Publishing’s trendy book Mayar-e-Zindagi, authored by Asma Hassan, an emerging writer from Lahore. 

Posted at Currency Management Hub, South, of the central bank, the literary minded Raheel Narejo was presented a copy of Mayar-e-Zindagi by Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, President of the National Library Association (NLA), who has also been serving the SBP with distinction for the last many years. 

Raheel Narejo, besides appreciating the contents of Mayar-e-Zindagi, also commended the NLA for having launched the initiated the move of gifting books to individuals and institutions in an effort to revive the reading culture in the society. 

While wishing his best to the NLA, the SBP Assistant Director expressed the hope that the Association will be extended the desired supported by the various stakeholders to achieve the mutual objective of bringing about positive changes in the society.

Dignitaries commend Mayar-e-Zindagi in NLA meet-up

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Jumbo Publishing’s famous book Mayar-e-Zindagi, a bouquet of articles on various aspects of life, authored by Asma Hassan, an emerging writer from Lahore, once again stole the limelight as the National Library Association (NLA) gifted its copies to the visiting dignitaries during a breakfast-reception hosted by their Executive Committee member, Muhammad Sultan Ali Naqhshbandi, in Karachi on September 3. 

The NLA President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, once again did the honours by presenting a copy of Mayar-e-Zindagi to Wing Commander Syed Iltifat Shirazi and Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Superintendent, Pakistan Rangers, Muhammad Tariq, Incharge, National Saving, Muhammad Imran, Member, Karachi Water & Sewerage Board, Syed Aun Muhammad, Director Banking, besides other high ranking government officials. 

The dignitaries expressed their appreciation for Mayar-e-Zindagi, describing it as a worthy book while they also showered the NLA officials with praise for pursuing the policy of gifting high quality books during various events in order to promote reading culture in the society.

Spotlight on Mayar-e-Zindagi during Baba-e-Urdu celebrations

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

It was in the fitness of things that National Library Association (NLA) chose to present copies of Asma Hassan’s Mayar-e-Zindagi, acclaimed as one of the best Urdu books of the recent times, during an event held to celebrate the life of Baba-e-Urdu, Moulvi Abdul Haq, at the Karachi Press Club on September 2. 

The NLA President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, did the honours by presenting a copy of Mayar-e-Zindagi to Shabbir Ibne Adil and Hasan Imam, the top functionaries of Idara-e-Ilm Dost, who organized the ceremony which was presided over by Prof Dr Rais Ahmad Samdani. 

The dignitaries were respectful of Mayar-e-Zindagi, a proud publication of Jumbo Publishing, which is a collection of articles on different facets of life penned by Asma Hassan, an emerging writer from Lahore. The NLA’s policy of gifting high quality books during various events was also appreciated. 

The NLA Secretary General, Anwar Hussain, who was one of the speakers in the function, paid glowing tributes to Moulvi Abdul Haq, a legendary scholar and linguist who is more famously known as Baba-e-Urdu.

Presentation of Mayar-e-Zindagi at Shikarpur’s Shaikh Ayaz University

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The President of the National Library Association (NLA), Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, during his recent visit to the interior of Sindh, presented a copy of Jumbo Publishing’s famous book Mayar-e-Zindagi, authored by Asma Hassan, to the Registrar of Shikarpur’s Shaikh Ayaz University, Saqib Ali Mehar. 

The contents of Mayar-e-Zindagi were appreciated by the Registrar as well as faculty members of Shaikh Ayaz University, which included Raheel Ahmed Narejo. The NLA tradition of gifting useful books to dignitaries and educationists was also commended by the university officials. 

Shaikh Ayaz University, named after the distinguished poet of Sindh, Shaikh Ayaz, was formerly working as the Shikarpur Campus of Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur. It has stood for reviving the past socio-economic, cultural and educational glory of Shikarpur apart from achieving higher standards in research, human and intellectual development.

Session Judge applauds Mayar-e-Zindagi

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Jumbo Publishing’s inspirational book, Mayar-e-Zindagi, authored by Asma Hassan, a young Lahore-based motivational writer, has also earned praise from a Session Judge. 

The President of the National Library Association (NLA), Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, gifted a copy of Mayar-e-Zindagi to the Honourable Session Judge of Banking Court in Sukkur, Abdul Rasheed, during their recent meeting. 

The learned judge, who is an avid reader and a regular visitor to various libraries, complimented the NLA for their initiatives in promoting book and library culture in the society. 

“Books and libraries are lifeline for the people. Be it the legal profession or any other, books and libraries play a pivotal role. We must strive to play a proactive role in ensuring that books keep coming and libraries continue flourishing,” he observed while extending his best wishes and support to the NLA.

Mayar-e-Zindagi presented to Khurshid Alam

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Khurshid Alam, a widely travelled veteran librarian, was presented a copy of Jumbo Publishing’s popular book, Mayar-e-Zindagi, authored by Asma Hassan, a young Lahore-based motivational writer, during his meeting with the company’s chairman, Syed Khalid Mahmood, in Karachi on July 28.

“It appears a very nice book indeed with an eye-catching cover, powerful subject and inspirational content. I will love to read the entire book during my flight from Karachi to Toronto via Dubai tomorrow (July 29),” Khurshid Alam, having relocated to Canada after an illustrious career in librarianship in Pakistan, remarked.

“I have been a passionate reader all along and the profession of librarianship has allowed me to read a lot of books over the years. Even today I love to read as much as possible and this book Mayar-e-Zindagi by Asma Hassan looks a very good one and a perfect companion for the long flight,” he declared. 

Khurshid Alam had a long stint at the British Council in Karachi before moving on to become the Chief Librarian at the University of Karachi. Later he joined the famous Ziauddin University in Karachi, also in the capacity of Head of Libraries.

Mayar-e-Zindagi commended at SMIU

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Jumbo Publishing’s enticing book, Mayar-e-Zindagi, authored by Asma Hassan, a young Lahore-based motivational writer, was warmly applauded upon its presentation at the historical Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) in Karachi. 

The President of the National Library Association (NLA), Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, alongwith the Association’s Secretary General, Anwar Hussain, presented a copy of Mayar-e-Zindagi to Mahjabeen Ali, Librarian, SMIU, during their recent visit to the iconic institution. 

The SMIU, now a chartered university, happened to be the Alma Mater of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, who was enrolled here from 1887 to 1892. Hailed as one of the oldest institutions in South Asia, which started as a school in 1885, it became a college in 1943 before upgraded to a university in February 2012.

Mayar-e-Zindagi lauded at Sindh Assembly

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Jumbo Publishing’s attractive book, Mayar-e-Zindagi, authored by Asma Hassan, an emerging Lahore-based motivational writer, was wholeheartedly praised upon its presentation at the historical Sindh Assembly building in Karachi. 

The President of the National Library Association (NLA), Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, accompanied by the Association’s Secretary General, Anwar Hussain, presented copies of Mayar-e-Zindagi to the officials of the Sindh Assembly during their recent visit.

Syeda Munazza Abidi, Deputy Secretary and Chief Librarian of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, who is also the Senior Vice President of NLA, lauded the content of ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ and described it as a useful handy book. 

She complimented the NLA leadership for having established the tradition of gifting books to dignitaries while visiting their offices or welcoming them in the functions organized by the Association from to time. 

“The NLA has been engaged in the promotion of book and library over the years. The gifting of books at different forums has multiple benefits and we should be continuing this practice,” she declared.

Mayar-e-Zindagi praised at BUET Khuzdar

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Jumbo Publishing’s trailblazing book, Mayar-e-Zindagi, authored by Asma Hassan, a young and promising Lahore-based motivational writer, also earned praise at the Balochistan University of Engineering and University (BUET), Khuzdar, 

The President of the National Library Association (NLA), Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, presented copies of Mayar-e-Zindagi to the university librarian, Muhammad Shoaib, who disclosed that their central library has a huge collection of high class books.

“Our central library, having been established in 1987, house more than 30,000 books on various subjects besides a large number of research journals and technical papers. It’s accessed by the university students and faculty who are encouraged to utilize the available facilities. Asma Hassan’s Mayar-e-Zindagi is a welcome addition to our stock,” the BUET Khuzdar librarian acknowledged.

Mayar-e-Zindagi charms Khuzdar literati

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Jumbo Publishing’s popular book, Mayar-e-Zindagi, authored by Asma Hassan, a young and promising Lahore-based motivational writer, continued to charm the literati of Khuzdar which happens to be Balochistan’s third largest city. 

The President of the National Library Association (NLA), Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, during his recent visit to Khuzdar, presented copies of Mayar-e-Zindagi to the officials of quite a few institutions.

“Khuzdar’s librarians, educationists and scholars were highly appreciative of Mayar-e-Zindagi and they described it as a book of substance for people of all ages,” the NLA President informed PNFS. 

“Mudassar Maqbool, an M Phil scholar enrolled at the Tando Jam’s Agricultural University, was among the lot who lavishly praised the book. The youngster from Panjgur reckoned that such books help in character-building,” Muzaffar Ali Shah disclosed.

Mayar-e-Zindagi admired in Khuzdar

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Jumbo Publishing’s marquee book, Mayar-e-Zindagi, authored by Asma Hassan, earned admiration in Balochistan’s city of Khuzdar upon its presentation at their central library. 

The President of the National Library Association (NLA), Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, presented a copy of Mayar-e-Zindagi to Manzoor Ahmed, Incharge of the Allama Muhammad Umar Dinpuri Central Digital Library in Khuzdar on July 19. 

The content of the book was greatly appreciated by the library officials and the visitors who were present on the occasion. They also placed on record their appreciation to the NLA for having brought such a wonderful publication with high quality content to the shores of Khuzdar.