Reading's many merits highlighted at celebration
Letters should be turned into weapons of knowledge, Alappuzha district panchayat president K.G. Rajeshwari has said.
Inaugurating the district-level celebration of Reading Day and Reading Week observance at S.N. College, Cherthala, on Thursday, Ms. Rajeshwari said that reading opens up a new world to the reader.
'Reading is essential to becoming a better human being. This is a time when choices related to knowledge are of great importance. If we choose the right books, we can become responsible citizens,' she said while recalling how reading had transformed her own life. She urged the younger generation to understand the value of reading and to read at least one book every month.
Govt. projects
Ms. Rajeshwari said the State government had launched projects to promote reading and education. 'Through the Literacy Mission, many people have stepped into the world of education. Similarly, institutions like the Kudumbashree Mission have helped bring to light the hidden creative talents of many women. While there are concerns that the younger generation is drifting away from the world of reading, the recent acceptance and appreciation received by the works of young writers like Akhil P. Dharmajan offer much hope,' she added.
V.T.'s case
Writer K. Rekha, who was the chief guest at the function, said that reading not only enhances linguistic abilities but also fosters scientific awareness, and that language plays a crucial role in shaping human character. 'There is no age limit for reading. It was in his thirties that V.T. Bhattathiripad entered the world of letters. The insights he gained from reading helped rewrite the destiny of an entire society,' she said.
Interacting with the audience, the writer emphasised that the Malayalam language was not dying. She, however, pointed out that the overuse of mobile phones and social media was distancing the younger generation from reading books.
Kanjikuzhy block panchayat president V.G. Mohanan presided. Additional District Magistrate Asha C. Abraham, S.N. College, Cherthala Principal T.P. Bindu and others attended the function.
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