Collector launches book reading movement ahead of Erode Book Festival 2025

The Hindu

2 days ago

In a bid to promote reading habits among school and college students ahead of the Erode Book Festival 2025, District Collector S. Kandasamy launched a district-wide book reading movement on Thursday. As part of the initiative, the Collector also joined students and read books with them, emphasising the joy and importance of reading.
The 21st edition of the Erode Book Festival is scheduled to be held from August 1 to 12 at the grounds of Chikkaiah Government Arts and Science College, Erode. The festival is being jointly organised by the Department of Public Libraries and Makkal Sinthanai Peravai.
To mark the occasion and underscore the significance of the event, the Collector read books with students for 21 minutes. Speaking about the value of reading, he noted that 'books are essential tools for intellectual and cultural development. Reading enhances knowledge, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills.' He also cited notable sayings such as 'Let's read books to build a better world,' and 'Touching a book may feel like paper, but reading it continuously turns it into a weapon of success.'
The book reading movement witnessed participation from 1.6 lakh school and college students across the district, who took part from their respective institutions. Students read a wide range of literature, including works by scholars, science books, literary novels, short stories, poetry collections, books on ethics, biographies, and thought-provoking essays.