Latest news with #NationalReadingDay
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Tiruchi engagements
DELTA ENGAGEMENTS PUDUKOTTAI of Arts and Science: Byte Burst – intra-departmental competitions, 9.30 a.m. TIRUCHI TODAY GENERAL Tiruchi Tamil Sangam: speaks on 'Tamizharin irumbu kala nagarikam,' 6.30 p.m. Periyar College of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Conference on 'The impact of artificial intelligence on pharmaceutical development,' 10 a.m. Jamal Mohamed College: Founders' Day celebration, 9 a.m. Seethalakshmi Ramaswami College: National Reading Day - seminar, 1.30 p.m.; Alumnae lecture series, Kalpana Padmanaban, Assistant professor, KLE Society's Science and Commerce College, Navi Mumbai, speaks on 'Medicinal values of hetrocyclic compounds,' 2.30 p.m. Shrimati Indira Gandhi College: Lecture on 'Blockchain odyssey – a curtain raiser,' by Michael Visuwasam, Associate Professor, RMK College of Engineering and Technology, 10 a.m. SRM Trichy Arts and Science College: 'Inside the brand mind,' - curated exchange, 10.30 a.m. Saranathan College of Engineering: Valediction of NSS special camp, college secretary, presides, North Paganur, 10 a.m.
Indian Express
23-06-2025
- Indian Express
The tragedy of Raseena and other women who continue to be policed by men
On National Reading Day (June 19), social media handles of several publishers and book lovers came alive, and readers discussed their favourite books, authors, quotes and more. One post by a publisher asking readers to talk about their favourite book in one line caught my eye. Comments from several women/girls, as they wrote about the books that most resonated with them, went like this: 'The book that spoke my inner voice… the woman that wore the sun', 'the book that taught me how women break the cages and fly high', 'the book that inspired me to travel', 'the one that made me love myself', 'the book that empowered the woman in me', 'the one that inspires to move on, taking on the challenges in a woman's life', 'the one that compares a woman to a bird', 'the one that made me understand myself.' And so on. Cut to a rather disturbing piece of news that came out the same day. A 40-year-old woman — mother of three minor children — in Kerala's Kannur district allegedly died by suicide after she was publicly shamed by a group of men for 'talking to a male friend'. The woman, Raseena, left a note saying she was taking the extreme step due to the humiliation of the experience. According to police, she was insulted in front of her family by self-styled moral vigilantes who also subjected her male friend to a mob trial, besides snatching his gadgets. Three men, allegedly belonging to the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) — the political wing of the outlawed right-wing Popular Front of India — were arrested in connection with the incident. Back to the social media comments on National Reading Day: Several women who picked young writer Nimna Vijay's Ettavum Priyappetta Ennodu (To My Dearest, Myself) said it helped them love themselves. Add this to the several other comments mentioned earlier. Why do such books still inspire women in the 21st century? The answer lies in moral strictures imposed on women to this day, the kind that resulted in the death of Raseena in Kannur. Women are eager to break these shackles and be rebellious. They want to spread their wings because their 'normal' is the opposite of free. They are policed by a society that does not allow them to be themselves or love themselves. After much struggle, some give up. Some become tougher, prepared for much more vicious battles. Very few are lucky to have a robust support system. Women are expected to be pillars of the home, taking care of their families without ever faltering, without ever talking about it. They are expected to make everyone happy at home, but if they try to find any happiness for themselves, they are branded immoral and are humiliated or ostracised. When it comes to policing women, there is no dearth of vigilantes. After the gang rape of a 23-year-old woman in Delhi in 2012 which triggered nationwide outrage, the accused showed no remorse. One of them even remarked that a 'girl is far more responsible for rape than a boy'. Women are to be 'taught a lesson' if they put up even the most feeble resistance. And rebellion is to be 'nipped in the bud', such as when they try to be independent or have friends of their choice, gain some confidence and take on life with a smile. Here's a request to self-styled moral policemen. If a woman knows how to take care of everyone in the family — and the extended family — and raise her children, she knows how to take care of herself as well. You don't have to 'help' her to be 'morally right'. It is far better to divert your energy towards empowering your daughters and teaching your sons to live with and celebrate empowered women. Rest in peace, Raseena.
News18
19-06-2025
- General
- News18
National Reading Day 2025: How To Cultivate A Reading Habit?
Last Updated: National Reading Day 2025: The day honours P.N. Panicker, the "Father of the Library and Literacy Movement," for promoting literacy and establishing public libraries. National Reading Day 2025: Observed in India every year on June 19, National Reading Day to honour Puthuvayil Narayana Panicker (P.N. Panicker), a visionary who played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of reading across Kerala. Widely revered as the 'Father of the Library and Literacy Movement", Panicker dedicated his life to promoting literacy and empowering communities through books. His tireless efforts laid the foundation for a knowledge-driven society and continue to inspire generations to embrace the transformative power of reading. Though the national observance of Reading Day is a relatively recent initiative, Kerala has been commemorating P.N. Panicker's contributions since 1996. The state began observing June 19, the day Panicker passed away in 1995, as a tribute to his transformative role in Kerala's literacy movement. In 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially declared June 19 as National Reading Day, extending the observance to a national level. The day honours P.N. Panicker's unparalleled efforts in ushering Kerala into an era of universal literacy. A teacher by profession, Panicker spearheaded a grassroots library movement in the early to mid-20th century, significantly expanding access to books and knowledge. His mission to instil the habit of reading among the masses laid the foundation for what would become one of India's most literate states. Through his leadership in establishing public libraries across Kerala, Panicker earned lasting recognition as the 'Father of the Library and Literacy Movement." The first library that he dedicated to the public was established in 1926. At the time, it was called the 'Sanadanadharmam Library". The various public libraries that he helped set up across Kerala over the next several years laid the foundation for the formation of the Travancore Library Association in 1945. The association, initially comprising 47 local libraries, later evolved into the Kerala Granthsala Sangham (KGS). After Kerala gained statehood in 1956, the KGS grew significantly to include nearly 6,000 libraries. The body ultimately became the Kerala State Library Council after being taken over by the Kerala government in 1977. National Reading Day 2025 is the perfect occasion to rekindle one's love for reading or to instil it if they never had one to begin with. It is also a great opportunity to bring together like-minded people to build a community of readers. National Reading Day focuses on the importance that books and the wisdom contained in them hold for the holistic development of humanity. How To Cultivate A Reading Habit Join a community of book readers online or at a local library. Exchange literary takeaways with fellow readers. Buy a collection of books of your favourite genre. Be patient. Do not get discouraged if the initial chapters of a book do not interest you. Read till the end. First Published:
India Gazette
19-06-2025
- General
- India Gazette
"Books are beautiful!": National Gallery of Modern Art celebrates National Reading Day
By Amrashree Mishra New Delhi [India], June 19 (ANI): The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) celebrated the National Reading Day here on Thursday by creating a unique bridge, bringing literature and art together. In an open reading session, people poured in from all walks of life and slipped away into the wondrous world of literature, but with a twist. The tales of Ramayana, the history of terracotta art and Le Corbusier's designs of Chandigarh found a way to people's hearts through a fascinating collection of books as the medium. Present at the event Suman Gupta, an educator, smiled, 'Books are beautiful!' Speaking to ANI, she said such events enhance the 'emotional and intelligence quotient' of children. 'Books are beautiful, they are illustrative. Events like these cultivate reading habit in children and allow them to travel the world through books. Artistic illustrations such as Ramlila in books blends and brings together art and literature.' While lauding the noble initiative, she suggested that the government should have collaborations with schools and increase the frequency of such events so that we create a future where children are emotionally aware, are familiar with cultural diversity and know their heritage. Swati Tiwari, Assistant Curator at NGMA, told ANI, 'Every year on June 19, India celebrates National Reading Day, a day to celebrate the value and delight of reading and to remind us that books are our teachers and lifelong friends.' Noting that the day marks the contributions of readers and encourages individuals of all ages to develop the habit of reading, she told ANI, 'This day honours PN Panicker, the founder of Kerala's Library Movement, whose idea made reading available to everyone. It's a great time to read again, discover new books, and inspire others to discover the joys of reading'. PN Panicker is known as the father of library and literacy movement in Kerala, which eventually spread across India. Born in 1909, he passed away on June 19, 1995. The National Reading Day marks his contribution to the Indian society. Praising his contributions, former President Ramnath Kovind had said that Panicker wanted to remove the evil of illiteracy with a potent message - 'Vayichu Valaruka' which means 'Read and Grow'. The celebration of National Reading Day becomes significant as 2025 marks the 115th birth anniversary of India's most beloved librarian- PN Panicker. Assistant Curator Tiwari in her concluding remarks said, 'With the intent to raise the awareness about reading, the NGMA is celebrating National Reading Day'. Gagandeep, a working professional, said, 'This is a really nice initiative as it allows the younger generation to bond and connect with books. The reading session at an art gallery takes us away from screens and we are able to explore art!' Yukta, a student, said, 'The reading session is a great way for us to pick up a new habit and bring the younger generation along too!' Hritik Dev Gohil, a working professional, expressed joy on attending the event. 'Art and literature freshen up the minds. They connect us to our childhood. Epics like Ramayana which we see here paintings and in books is a great bridge'. The National Gallery of Modern Art brought literature to the younger generation through vivid arts, a tech savvy gallery and plethora of inspiration, leaving visitors awe-inspired. (ANI)
Time of India
19-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
National Reading Day celebrated with enthusiasm at YCCE
Nagpur: Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering (YCCE), Nagpur, celebrated National Reading Day on June 19 with great zeal to honour the legacy of PN Panicker, the pioneer of library movement in India. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The celebration commenced with a reading pledge taken in the central library, where students, faculty, and staff committed to cultivating regular reading habits. A special initiative titled 'Drop Everything and Read' was held at 12.30pm, during which library paused for 30 minutes of silent reading. A book review competition was announced to encourage critical thinking and engagement with literature. In an effort to promote academic digital literacy, a digital resources awareness campaign introduced students to national-level platforms such as NDLI, Delnet, e-ShodhSindhu as well as Knimbus. Principal Dr Uday Waghe and director technical Dr Manali Kshirsagar, appreciated the initiative and encouraged students to make reading a lifelong habit. The event, organised by Dr Rajendra Pahade received an overwhelming response from the students and successfully highlighted the importance of reading in personal and academic growth. Arti Thakre, Deorao Kale, Sonam Sheikh, Sanjay Jadhav, Ravindra Mahabudhe and other library staff helped make the programme a success.
