Punjab government has recently launched a unique project to promote literacy and culture in the province. In a significant move to promote reading habits and preserve local heritage, the government of Punjab has launched the "Read Punjab Program," under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. This innovative and unique initiative is the first of its kind in the history of Punjab and focuses on the establishment of micro libraries across small towns and cultural preservation through the construction of "City Walls" This micro libraries program was officially launched in Wazirabad, a city known for its rich literary and commercial significance, marking a new chapter in the province’s efforts to promote education, culture and heritage. You can get all the details regarding this micro libraries in Punjab and City Walls projects from this page.
Micro-Libraries in Public Places across Punjab
As part of the "Read Punjab Program," micro-libraries in Punjab have been established at various public spaces, including parks, bus stations and railway stations in Wazirabad. This Punjab micro-libraries initiative provides free access to beneficial and useful books in these locations, with the aim of encouraging reading habit among residents and visitors alike as a healthy and constructive activity. Currently, over 1,000 books are available at 15 different locations throughout the city of Wazirabad.
These bookshelves have been strategically placed in public parks and waiting areas at bus and railway stations to satisfy the needs of both local residents and visitors. This micro libraries project is set to expand further in the coming months, with an additional 1,000 books to be added to these racks. The placement of rainproof covers over the racks ensures that all the books remain safe from adverse weather conditions, making this micro libraries in Punjab project sustainable and accessible all year round.
Promoting Local Heritage Through "City Walls"
In addition to promoting literacy and reading habit, the program seeks to highlight and preserve the rich cultural heritage of smaller cities in Punjab. Under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, special "City Walls" have been constructed in Wazirabad Tehsil, which has recently been elevated to district status. These walls, known as the "Wall of Wazirabad," "Wall of Alipur Chatha," and "Wall of Gakhar," depict the history, culture and artistic heritage of these towns.
The walls feature paintings and murals that celebrate both the rural and urban traditions of Punjab, offering a glimpse into the region's diverse history. To engage the community, a photo competition was held, where the 25 best photographs were turned into illuminated portraits and displayed on these walls. The lights installed inside the portraits ensure that the cultural and historical narratives remain visible to both residents and visitors.
Assistant Commissioner of Wazirabad, Rab Nawaz Chadhar, commented on the project, stating that each painting on the City Walls tells a unique story of the city’s past. In a forward thinking move, these historical storylines will soon be included in the school curriculum, giving future generations a deep understanding of their local history and culture.
The Impact of Read Punjab Project
The "Read Punjab Program" not only promotes reading but also serves as a powerful tool for preserving the rich cultural heritage of Punjab’s smaller towns or tehsils. By creating easily accessible micro-libraries and showcasing the region’s history through City Walls, this Read Punjab Project fosters both education and community pride. Wazirabad’s transformation under this unique and innovative program sets an inspiring example for other towns across the province, demonstrating how education and culture can prosper hand in hand.