LAHORE: (Tuesday, November 21, 2023): Punjab University Institute of English Studies organized the launch of the English translation of the novel ‘Aadhy Adhure Khawab’, interpreted as “Dreams Don’t Die”, by renowned intellectual, educationist and writer Dr Shahid Siddiqui. On the occasion, Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Benazir Income Support Program Dr Amjad Saqib, Educationist and writer Dr Shahid Siddiqui, Dean Faculty of Arts and Humanities Prof Dr Amra Raza, Associate Professor Dr Shahzeb Khan, faculty members and a large number of students were present. The translator of the book is Assistant Professor of Allama Iqbal Open University, Dr Lubna Umar. In his address, PU VC Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood said that it is important to promote literature to create a better society. He said that messages and ideas can be conveyed effectively through different dimensions of literature. He said that novels and fictions etc. create various concepts in a person. He also commented on the books of Dr Amjad Saqib and said that his books often make one cry.
In his address, Dr Amjad Saqib said that Shahid Siddiqui's book shows who a teacher is and how important it is to learn and increase knowledge every moment. He said that the book shows what is the best way of teaching and what is the relationship between the teacher and the student. He said that the book shows that we do not have a shortage of resources; the real problem is the unfair distribution of resources. He said that he has learnt from the book that nations are not recognized by their wealth but by their values. He said that this book teaches us to stand against exploitation. He said that our tendency towards literature is decreasing. He said that education has no meaning if it is away from society. Addressing the event, Dr. Amra Raza highlighted the different aspects of the book and its characters. Dr Shahzeb Khan said that Shahid Siddiqui's book compels one to complete it in one sitting due to its interest. He said that education is not apolitical but political. Dr. Lubna Umar said that in the translation of the book, the meanings the book contained have been clarified. She said that the culture of English literature has been kept in mind while translating the content of the book. Dr Shahid Siddiqui thanked the speakers and said that he wrote this novel in two weeks and this novel has also been translated into Punjabi, Sindhi and Pashto languages. He said that literature is being used to achieve both the goals of colonization and decolonization.