INTRODUCTION

VISION:

The vision of the Chughtai Book Club project by Chughtai Foundation and Chughtai Public Library is to foster a vibrant and inclusive literary community that promotes a love for reading, lifelong learning, and cultural enrichment. Through this project, we aim to create a space where individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together to explore, discuss, and celebrate literature while contributing to the advancement of knowledge and intellectual engagement.

MISSION:

Our mission is to promote a love for reading, foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, and facilitate meaningful discussions on literature and its impact on society. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, encourages critical thinking, and inspires personal growth. Through our book club, we aim to connect people from different backgrounds and perspectives, and to promote cross-cultural understanding and empathy. We also seek to give back to our community by supporting local literacy programs and initiatives. By pursuing our mission, we hope to contribute to a more informed, engaged, and enlightened society in Pakistan."

OBJECTIVES:

Objectives of Chughtai Book Club are:

• To Encourage reading for pleasure
• To motivate people to read more often and to explore different genres and authors.
• Promote critical thinking and discussion
• Build community and create a sense of belonging.
• Learn new things by reading a variety of books and gain insights into different cultures, historical periods, and ways of thinking.
• To encourage different perspectives by providing a place where members feel comfortable sharing their own opinions, even if they differ from others in the group. This can help to foster a sense of respect for different viewpoints.
• Providing a platform to learn new ideasby discussing the books with others, and by doing research on the topics covered in the books.

 

UNIQUE FEATURES OF CHUGHTAI BOOK CLUB:

The Chughtai Book Club stands out in Pakistan's literary landscape due to several unique features that differentiate it from other book clubs in the country.

1. Inclusivity and Accessibility: Unlike many book clubs that are limited to specific membership or demographic criteria, Chughtai Book Club is a nationwide project open to the general public. It breaks down barriers and makes literature accessible to a wider audience, irrespective of age, background, or location.
2. Location Independence:   Traditional book clubs often require physical meetings at a set location, which can be limiting for people with busy schedules or those living in remote areas. Chughtai Book Club overcomes this limitation by functioning without the need for a physical library building. This approach allows members to participate from anywhere, fostering a more extensive and diverse community of readers.
3. Celebration of Local Literature:   The Chughtai Book Clubplaces a unique emphasis on celebrating and promoting local literature and prioritizes Pakistani literary works, authors, and cultural narratives.
4. Community Engagement: Chughtai Book Club goes beyond just discussing books. It actively engages its members in literary and cultural events, workshops, and discussions, creating a sense of community and fostering a deeper appreciation for literature.
5. Public Library Initiative:   Chughtai Public Library's affiliation with the book club signifies a forward-thinking approach to promoting reading and literature. By expanding its influence beyond the library building, it demonstrates a commitment to reaching the masses and promoting a reading culture in Pakistan.

In a nutshell, the Chughtai Book Club distinguishes itself by its commitment to inclusivity, its location-independent approach, its focus on local literature, its vibrant community engagement, its strong social media presence, and its partnership with Chughtai Public Library. These factors collectively set it apart and make it a unique and valuable asset in Pakistan's literary landscape.