a day ago
Reading is alive, it has just changed with the times: CM
Reading is far from a dying habit, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said. He was delivering the keynote address after performing the State-level inauguration of the 30th Reading Day celebrations organised by the P.N. Panicker Foundation here on Thursday.
Underscoring the evolving nature of literacy in the digital age, the Chief Minister said, 'The age of reading is not ending; reading is just changing according to the times.'
Instead of physical books, people now made use of digital platforms and podcasts. Even as there was talk of change, the basis of the wealth of knowledge was still those books, Mr. Vijayan said.
Panicker's contribution
Recalling the contributions of P.N. Panicker, Mr. Vijayan said he was one of the most prominent leaders of the library movement. He was considered to have taught the Malayali to read. He set up the Sanadanadharmam library at his birthplace Neelamperoor to enter public life. His efforts to set up libraries across the State and promote them were a part of the State's history, the Chief Minister said.
Panicker's message of 'Read and grow, think and gain wisdom' was still relevant. Each Reading Day observance was a reminder of modern Kerala's rich culture, he said.
National campaign
He spoke of the State's historical role in spearheading reading movements and affirmed its continued commitment to nurturing a reading culture among its people. The celebrations mark the beginning of a month-long national campaign to promote reading. The observance will continue till July 18, with activities spanning all States, the Chief Minister said.
Schoolchildren who attended the event recited a reading pledge prepared by the foundation. The ambitious 'One lakh Vaayanasadhas' project that aims to organise 1,00,000 reading forums across the country was rolled out on the occasion.
Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty presided. P.N. Panicker Foundation vice chairman N. Balagopal spoke.
