Latest news with #ReadingWeek
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Reading vital to social development: Bindu
Stressing the importance of reading for social development, Minister for Higher Education R. Bindu inaugurated the State-level observance of Reading Week organised by the Kerala State Library Council here on Thursday. The Minister lauded the council as a unique and commendable movement that had made significant contributions to Kerala's social, cultural, and intellectual landscape. 'The era of literacy movement was the most culturally dynamic period in our history. This moment calls us to reclaim that spirit — reviving the energy and atmosphere of those times to inspire our youth and students towards a culture of reading and active civic engagement,' she said. Reading Day is observed on June 19 in memory of P.N. Panicker, the visionary who championed the message 'Read and Grow, Think and Become Wise.' The celebration will continue until July 7, the birth anniversary of I.V. Das, a key figure in Kerala's library movement, with the aim of making reading and libraries more accessible and people-centred across the State. K.V. Kunjikrishnan, president of the Kerala State Library Council, presided over the function. Writer and speaker K.E.N. Kunhahammed delivered the keynote address on the topic 'Conflicts in Reading.' Murali Perunelli, MLA, president of the District Library Council, delivered the Reading Day message, while council member T.K. Vasu paid tributes to P.N. Panicker. Thudi music-dance performance by the Kerala Kalamandalam added colour to the event.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
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.
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Reading Week events in Kochi begin today
Kochi: As Kerala is set to celebrate Vayanadhinam (National Reading Day) on Thursday to commemorate the legacy of K N Panicker, who is known as the father of library movement in India, educational institutions in the city have decided to conduct a series of activities to mark the day and subsequent Reading Week activities. Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) will organize Reading Week from June 19 to 25. The function will be inaugurated by writer Vijayarajamallika at Cusat Senate Hall at 1.30pm on Thursday. At St Teresa's College, a seminar on the topic 'Pennezhuthum Vayanayum' will be inaugurated by writer Thanuja Bhattathiri on Thursday. Several schools in the city are also celebrating National Reading Day. Global Public School, Thiruvaniyoor, hosted a Reader's Day session led by author Vinitha Ramchandani on Wednesday. District-level inauguration of Vayanadhinam, organized jointly by district library council, department of information and public relations and PN Panicker Foundation, will be held at Ernakulam Govt Girls High School at 9.30am on Thursday. District collector NSK Umesh will preside over the event.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Reading Day to be celebrated in schools, but libraries face neglect
Even as the government considers awarding grace marks to students for reading newspapers and books, libraries in State's schools remain unutilised primarily owing to a lack of librarians. In the new academic year, the General Education department is moving ahead with implementing the comprehensive quality education programme in schools that was initiated last year. It is also conducting a host of programmes in schools such as quiz and prose and poetry competitions in connection with the upcoming Reading Day and Reading Week. Yet, concerns over students' communication abilities, apart from knowledge acquisition, are unlikely to be fully addressed if effective steps to promote reading are not taken. For this, school libraries should not only be open but also engage with the learners. 'Only in name' However, more often than not school libraries function only in name, though each year schools purchase books through the Samagra Shiksha Kerala and also charge a nominal library fee from students. Students rarely have access to these books, for there is no mechanism to issue them to students. Despite a High Court order, schools tend to post other subject teachers as librarians on temporary basis, with the government failing to appoint those who have completed Library Information Science courses as full-time librarians. A contempt of case filed by a staff organisation is continuing in court. Further, there is no mechanism to determine how effective these are or how much the students are able to make use of them. The M.A. Khader committee report on school education has mentioned the need for libraries and librarians. The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights too has observed the need for libraries and librarians in higher secondary schools. Those waiting for years to get employment as librarians point out that their appointment will help promote students' reading habit. They will also be able to guide them on research into various topics, particularly in the higher secondary wing. Library science graduates say school libraries with ample books and periodicals and research materials – and helmed by qualified librarians – are without doubt a very effective way to promote reading and enhance quality of education.
