READING OUR WAY INTO THE FUTURE

AT a recent literature fest I attended, a prominent writer had a valuable piece of advice to the youth in the audience read, read, read.

- GEETHA RAVICHANDRAN

Reading has been a time-tested tool to expand mental horizons, acquire knowledge, perspectives and add punch to verbal expression. It was the default option for many of us growing up in earlier decades. Those days, we did not have many other forms of entertainment-reading was the most common immersive experience. But for the youth today, especially the urban youth who have access to multiple platforms for information and amusement, reading a book unrelated to their curriculum can be quite a challenge. As such, the mandatory reading required in academic courses can be rigorous. That in itself demands long hours. Unless the outcomes of other kinds of reading are seen as rewarding, I think it is unlikely that reading will become a priority in the lives of the present generation.

While the presence of too many distractions hinders reading for some sections of society, many others, especially in rural areas, are deprived of access to even basic reading resources. Government schools in Tamil Nadu recently started a Vasippu Iyakkam (reading movement) to encourage students to pursue their reading interests and learn outside the classroom.