Lahore, The Ewing Memorial Library at Forman Christian College (FCCU) significantly expanded its collection on Friday, May 17, 2024, thanks to a major donation of books through the Read Japan Project. This initiative is supported by the Nippon Foundation and coordinated by the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad to foster cultural exchange and enhance educational resources.

According to Forman Christian College, the donation event saw the participation of distinguished guests including His Excellency Mr. Wada Mitsuhiro, the Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan, and Mr. Aamir H. Shirazi, the Honorary Consul General of Japan in Lahore and Patron in Chief of the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association. Their presence underscored the strong collaborative ties fostering international relations between Japan and Pakistan.

Dr. Jonathan Addleton, on behalf of FCCU, expressed deep gratitude to the Chief Librarian for securing this valuable contribution to the library’s resources. Ambassador Wada Mitsuhiro spoke about the Read Japan Project’s impact, recounting positive experiences at FCCU and extending thanks to the Rector. Dr. Ghazala Irfan was also acknowledged for her significant contributions to the initiative.

The event featured a tour of the new book display by the attendees and a plaque unveiling ceremony at the Ewing Memorial Library. Additionally, Ms. Shaista Khawar contributed a cultural element to the gathering with her display of “Ikebana,” the art of Japanese floral arrangement.

This substantial book donation not only broadens the academic resources at FCCU’s Ewing Library but also reinforces the cultural and educational bonds between FCCU and Japan.