Majlis-e-Taraqi-e-Adab is a public sector institution 4 promotion of #Urdu language/literature. I have admired their publications (they have scores) in the past. Today on a whim (while looking for full version of Hatim Tai epic) I went masked & all to their premises. It's just 1/
off Mall Road past GOR 1 entrance & before PC Hotel, Lahore. Inside are acres of evacuee property land, old bungalow styled buildings with high ceilings, peeling paint & airy verandahs, & vast tree shaded lawns. The Majlis is housed in one of the buildings at the very back. 2/
There are 2 other centers as well. I gathered a large haul of classic Urdu novels & several epics that I needed for my current writing. Ridiculously inexpensive (25 books in all for mere Rs. 4000 after discount) & the staff quite helpful. But they could do with more inspired 3/
& active marketing, sales, display & promotional support, & also more robust online presence. The website down for some months. Even when it was up one couldn't order online but at least one could see what’s available. There's also a library & as said these are vast, scenic 4/
& leafy premises. One would love to see the place thronged with students, scholars & avid readers in post Corona times. Unless such centers, resources & public facilities upgraded & fully utilized, marketed, promoted & converted into welcoming spaces they won’t justify the 5/
expense of their upkeep & it's also a tremendous opportunity lost. It may be due to #Covid19 right now but the place was deserted. The Majlis is headed by an eminent scholar & that’s great for the intellectual side of work. He should be provided all additional editorial, 6/
research & publishing support he requires. At the same time, robust marketing, vibrant literary events, better sales support, & professional display (I bought mine from a store room) could boost sales, better serve old readers & new & create a lovely haven for study, dialogue 7/ 
& reflection. Punjab Information Dept apparently responsible for running this but it needs the discerning & informed guiding touch of a lover of knowledge, literature, libraries & intellectual public spaces. It could also thrive possibly under a public private partnership. 8/8
Please don't be intimidated by the abandoned look of the place. Visit, buy some books & sit under a Frangipani tree to leaf through it. It is your space. Please claim it. 9/9
#urbanspaces #literarycenters #culturalcenters #Lahore #Pakistan #publicspaces #publiclibraries #Books
#urbanspaces #literarycenters #culturalcenters #Lahore #Pakistan #publicspaces #publiclibraries #Books
@threadreaderapp "unroll"
Many friends asked about Majlis Website. Was down till yesterday but up now. Do see. Hundreds of excellent, affordable books. Online orders not possible but do visit, buy, support & make suggestions. For there to be supply there has to be demand. The link mtalahore.com/Home.asp
