LAHORE: (Friday, February 28, 2014): “Neutral common language can bring the people of the globe together”, these were the views expressed at a seminar on “Esperanto: As a Bridge Language in South Asia”, organized by Punjab University’s Pakistan Study Centre. Mr. Bharat Kumar Ghimire of Tribhuvan University, Katmandu, Nepal was the keynote speaker. Prof. Dr. Massarrat Abid, Dean, Faculty of Arts & Humanities and Director, Pakistan Study Centre, University of the Punjab conducted the proceedings of the seminar. She hoped that such activities would create better understanding amongst the nations of South Asia and will help in strengthening cultural ties. Dr. Maria I. Maldonado, Director External Linkages, Punjab University, Prof. Saeed Ahmed Farani, Mr. Shabbir Ahmed Sial, President Pakistan Esperanto Association, Prof. Gilsu from Korea, Prof. Dr. Niaz Sheikh, Mr. Shahid Bukhari, Mr. Abdul Basit Sohail, Mr. Khalid Mahmood, Engr. Rahim Shah were also present at the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bharat Kumar Ghimire said that Esperanto language has the potential to become second language of the people around the globe. UNESCO has also enlisted it in the universal languages. Problems of globalization can be settled if language problem is solved. Esperanto can become the language of international communication, foster peace and stability among nations. Conflicts among nations can also be solved if a neutral language is adopted which has no identity with any specific nation or nation state. International common language must be neutral and free of parochial biases which can be learnt by everyone. Although Esperanto is in its infant stage but it has bright prospects for future. Holy Quran has already been translated into Esperanto. About 5 million people in the world are currently speaking Esperanto language which is easy to learn with simple grammar and composition and delightful flexibility for promotion of harmonious relations among the nations in the world. He was of the view that Esperanto should be adopted as second language globally.

Faculty members and students from various departments of different universities participated in the seminar. A lively question-answer session followed the seminar.