Rapid News in conversation with Director Punjab Library Foundation Rehman Asif
Iqra Kashif from Rapid News hosted a short talk session with Director Punjab Library Foundation, Rehman Asif .
Tell us about your educational experience in Pakistan?
Unfortunately, there isn’t any career counseling here in Pakistan. Otherwise, I would have had chosen a specific field of study instead of getting so many degrees. I obtained a master’s degree in economics in 1991 followed by a master’s degree in 1994 in Library and Information Sciences. I also obtained master’s degrees in Computer Sciences and Business Management and LLB, finally a Ph.D. in Pipelines. The aim was to be in a field where I could serve the country.
What do you think you have done so far for the country?
When I was growing up as a kid my mom would tell me I need to do something for the country. She would recite me this poetry.
Vo ajeeb log vo kaflay
Jo watan bana k chalay gaey
Jo chaman saja k chalay gaey
Humain yaad hai
Humain yaad hai
How did you develop your reading habits?
My parents play role in this development. My first birthday gift was a book, and later a connected gift that was a bookshelf. I think leaders are the readers.
What is the aim and objective of the Punjab Library Foundation?
Punjab Library Foundation was founded in 1985, our objective is to promote the habit of reading books in Pakistan.
How do you think we can develop a culture where the new generation reads books?
We are moving towards digitization where we plan to connect all of the libraries together. We also intend to inculcate a culture of storytelling within the new generation through a project we are working on. And also parents need to pay responsibility in the process, instead of buying their children bike and mobiles, parents need to gift them books too. No matter how small the paycheque is, parents must make sure that a small portion of the earning goes to building up a corner in a house that has books.
Being part of the digital era, what type of films do you enjoy watching?
This is a rather personal question. I am more into documentaries that depict portions of history and also travel vlogs that represent our culture and social values.
Is there a quote you live by?
Growing up as a kid I was never told whether I should be a doctor or an engineer or a bureaucrat, my dad had two papers printed on the wall in my room that read ‘aim’, the other embodied an arrow pointing upwards. However, I was given a constant reminder that whatever I am; I am because of this country.
