Gambat Wraps Up the Third Hafeez Shaikh Book Fair
The three-day spectacle, known as the Third Hafeez Shaikh Book Fair, came to a close on Sunday in Gambat, marking another milestone in the effort to cultivate a robust reading culture in the region. Hosted by the Sindh Fikri Forum Gambat, the event drew participants from across the province and highlighted the transformative power of books in everyday life.
Kicking off as a commemorative event linked to the birth anniversary of Hafeez Shaikh, the fair has evolved into a platform that blends literature, education, and community dialogue. Organizers described the fair as a sustained initiative to make reading more accessible, especially for young people and aspiring writers who face barriers to traditional publishing and large library access.
What Made the Fair Stand Out
Organizers emphasized an agenda centered on practical literacy and inclusive participation. The fair featured a blend of book stalls, author talk sessions, panel discussions, and cultural programs designed to engage attendees of all ages. Local authors and scholars shared insights on literature’s role in social development, while the event provided budding writers with opportunities to showcase their work and receive constructive feedback from seasoned readers.
Community Engagement and Education
A core theme of the fair was community education. Volunteers coordinated reading corners for children, where storytelling and picture books helped cultivate early literacy skills. For teens and adults, there were workshops on creative writing, editing, and the importance of critical reading in an era of information abundance. The event also served as a marketplace for affordable books, enabling families to access a wide range of genres without significant financial strain.
Impact on Local Literacy and Culture
Local educators and civic leaders spoke about the fair’s positive impact on Gambat’s cultural life and literacy outcomes. By bringing together readers, writers, teachers, and students, the event created a forum for exchanging ideas about education reform, library development, and sustainable reading habits. Attendees reported renewed interest in book clubs, school reading programs, and community libraries, signaling a longer-term effect beyond the festival’s three days.
Access, Equity, and Inclusion
Organizers highlighted their commitment to making the event accessible to all segments of society. Special attention was given to programs for under-served communities, including affordable book options, translations of popular titles into local languages, and storytelling sessions conducted in regional dialects. The fair’s inclusive approach aimed to ensure that the benefits of literacy reach families, farmers, students, and professionals alike.
Looking Ahead
With the success of this year’s gathering, the Sindh Fikri Forum Gambat signaled its intent to expand future editions of the Hafeez Shaikh Book Fair. Plans under consideration include increased hours for workshops, more author appearances, a temporary library setup, and partnerships with schools and non-governmental organizations to sustain reading initiatives year-round. The fair’s organizers hope the momentum will inspire similar events across Sindh, helping to create a network of communities devoted to learning and cultural exchange.
As Gambat closes this year’s edition, participants take forward a shared vision: that literature is not confined to pages but lives in daily conversations, classrooms, and the everyday choices of families who choose to read together.
