First comprehensive Balochi dictionary “Labz Balad†launched in Quetta
- August 4, 2015, 4:53 pm
- National News
- 400 Views
HQ City Report
QUETTA: The first comprehensive Balochi to Balochi Dictionary was launched in Quetta the other day.
The renowned intellectual, author and former Chairman of Balochi Academy, Jan Muhammad Dashti is the Chief Editor of the dictionary titled “Labz Baladâ€.
The launching ceremony of the dictionary was held at the Balochi Academy.
While Vice Chairman of the Academy, Mumtaz Yousaf presided over the launching ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of Turbat University, Professor Dr. Abdul Razzaq Sabir was the chief guest. Also present on the occasion were Dr. Abdul Saboor Baloch, Professor Yousaf Mengal, Ulfat Naseem, Raheem Bakhsh Mehr, Hamid Ali Baloch besides other literary persons and members of the Balochi Academy.
Speaking on the occasion, the acting Chairman of Balochi Academy Mumtaz Yousaf thanked all the editors and sub-editors for preparation and compilation of the dictionary so successfully.
Dr. Abdul Razzaq Sabir said that the extensive dictionary of modern age is the biggest achievement made so far by the Balochi Academy.
All the Academy’s members deserve appreciation and congratulation on printing and publication of the dictionary, he commended.
Surely, the efforts would remain continued in bringing improvement in it further, he hoped.
Other speakers urged the provincial government to patronize the Academy in its outstanding contribution to Balochi literature and at least help print the second edition of the dictionary.
Needless to mention here is that a large number of prominent intellectuals, writers and poets helped in preparation of preparation of the dictionary throughout their efforts spanning over 13 years.
Even before its formal launch, its 90 percent copies were reportedly sold out, forcing the organizers to plan its second edition.
Earlier, the 54th meeting of the Balochi Academy was held at the Academy’s Complex the same day. The acting Chairman, Mumtaz Yousaf was in the chair.
The General Secretary, Muhammad Panah Baloch presented annual performance report. He briefed about different programmes, projects and the financial matters.
They were included: publication of Labz Bald dictionary, preparation of the Balochi Inpage, Balochi lettering, Encyclopedia, reforms and other initiatives.
The participants expressed satisfaction over last performance besides submitting proposals to take steps for promotion of the Balochi language, literature and culture.
Moreover, certain resolutions were also adopted in the meeting.
They were included establishment of Balochi Language Authority and Balochi literary Board for development and growth of the Balochi language and literature, recovery of all those missing in the province, nomination and postings of the prominent Balochi intellectuals and literary personalities as heads of the federal literary and cultural organizations.
It was also demanded to take steps for promotion of culture and establish a museum in Balochistan, increase quota of advertisements of the Balochi language periodicals and newspapers, besides others.
Rather more representation of Balochi language programmes in the electronic media was also demanded through a resolution adopted in the meeting.
Similarly, the cable operators should also be made to show the PTV Bolan and other Balochi channel programmes at their respective cables in the federal capital as well as other parts of the country.
