Inaugurating the Joy of Reading Festival the other day at Roing, Deputy Commissioner Tapasya Raghav stressed on habit of reading to make young generation adept in social values and learn morals. She has also made a pertinent point when she said that “inculcating and incorporating the habit of reading in daily life in turn will enhance one’s knowledge and improve personality.” Absolutely true! There is no denying the fact that reading can open the doors to a whole new adventure with each turn of the page. When a child is young, they may be discouraged from developing reading habits, especially in this age of electronic usage being so popular. While books might be the first thing to think of when it comes to education of children, the school curriculum makes them obtain marks and pass exams. As the child advances from one stage to another, it is necessary to make it aware of a vast world outside the textbooks. Moreover, having a reading habit is much better than having other random habits. Reading books also opens the door to a vivid imagination, expanded vocabulary and the ability to succeed academically. It also helps in bringing out the inherent talents inside the children.

As the world is moving forward at a faster pace, with all information available in your mobile phones, reading of books has become a lost passion. But it may be remembered that in the hustle and bustle of the mundane and quotidian life, at the end of the day a good book will make one relax and get rid of the stress of the fast life. We should also remember that like body needs food to grow, the development of brain too depends on how much nourishment we can give it in the form of reading because reading is knowledge. To be a good writer one has to be a voracious reader. Reading stimulates brain while enhancing one’s own knowledge. And a good communicator is a good reader.

In this context, the initiative of Lohit Youth Libraries Network is praiseworthy and this movement should be spread across the state for which all concerned should make concerted efforts. The buzzword should be “catch them young” because children are more receptive. Instead of allowing them to watch Chota Bhim or other such TV shows, give them good storybooks and parents can spend some time reading the stories to the kids. Think of the old days when grandma used to tell stories.

And reading is not floccinaucinihilipilification.