Children's interest in literature need to be protected: Prof. Siddiqui

Hyderabad: Western experts have devised various techniques to keep intact the interest of children in literature. They use science fiction, audiovisual and talking books to keep their interest in reading alive. Prof. Mohd. Idrees Siddiqui from Toronto, Canada, expressed these views yesterday while delivering extension lecture on "Adab-e-Atfal aur Jadeed Taqaze" (Children Literature & Contemporary demands) organized by Centre for Urdu Culture Studies (CUCS) of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU).

Prof. Siddiqui an Eminent economist & expert in children literature while delivering lecture said that kids interest in reading books is on the decline, it is a universal phenomenon. They spent most of their times on electronic gadgets, smartphones, playing video games and searching social media sites. To counter the trend and to keep connected the children with the literature, psychologists have developed books using modern technologies. The success of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series is an example, he said. Books are also being prepared using specific technology even for children with mental and physical challenges. It is the need of the hour that such books should also be prepared in Urdu and other Indian languages, he suggested. Efforts should be made to bring out the Children from the virtual world of the web to the world of books, he remarked.

Earlier, Prof. Mohd. Zafaruddin, Director, CUCS welcomed the guest and Anis Azmi, Chief Consultant, Centre convened the programme.

Dr. Firoz Alam, Assistant Professor proposed the vote of thanks. Habeeb Ahmed, Museum Curator and Zubair Ahmed, Semi Professional Assistant supervised the arrangements. A large number of students & staff attended the lecture.