BOOKS - FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS
Celebrity Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan in his home library
BOOKS - FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS
19th June is celebrated as National Reading Day in India to honor the Keralite teacher, P.N. Panicker. This celebration of reading did not begin until 1996. However, it has grown into a large-scale movement over the years, with many participants rejoicing, learning, imbibing, and celebrating the habit of reading.
Puthuvayil Narayana Panicker is known as the "Father of the Library Movement" in Kerala. He died on 19th June 1995, after which in 1996, National Reading Day was celebrated as a tribute to the legend. The Ministry of Education of Kerala also observes Vayana Vaaram (reading week) for the week between the 19th to 25th of June.
The writer an avid reader since his teens has read over 5000 books which is no exaggeration. I have always wanted to feature books in my Blog post and share my joy of reading books with my patrons. The habit of reading continues to fascinate me.
I used to patronize the libraries in and around my township within a 2 km radius with a count of 4-5 libraries in Thrissur District, Kerala, India.
The newly printed books smell the pulp and ink which is a merry-making experience and a lovely feeling to me since childhood. Though the digital reading had a 50% growth since last year, I prefer physical books and have a collection in the library of my favorites.
The most read book in the world is the "BIBLE".
In an era of E-Books and Audio Books the printed books are still holding on their own.
As Indian publishing gears up for AI intervention with digital narrators and ChatGPT, the growing appetite for diverse voices, translations and regional comics is worth noting. It's not just the big names who are investing in multilingual, multi-platform publishing, but also independent publishers who are adapting best-sellers into e-books and digital audio. On National Reading Day, it's worth exploring what the experts feel about the long-standing print vs digital debate and if it needs a different approach.
To quote a famous Indian author in English - Samit Basu - "I read both print & e-books, but tend to get distracted easily with the latter. Having said that when you are traveling or don't have bookshelf space, e-books are a blessing".
Many feel the pioneered printed form has sentimental value. Tomorrow is digital today is not.
By 2024 end a turnover of Rs.1 lakh crore is predicted for the Indian publishing market.
I would like to write more about fellow Keralite "Father of Library Movement" P.N. Panicker. He made many significant contributions to promote literacy in Kerala. He was the one behind pushing Kerala State Literacy Mission, which ultimately led to universal literacy in the state. He was born to Govinda Pillai and Janaky Amma at Neelamperoor, Kerala on March 1, 1909. As a teacher, his influence was far greater than many of his time. P.N. Panicker passed away on June 19, 1995, and to honor his legacy, National Reading Day, is celebrated across India on June 19.
I have a great feeling about Libraries and visit Thrissur Town Hall Library and Reading Room whenever I visit my hometown. Also, check in various Book stores and Kendra Sahitya Academy as I am keen to pursue my interest in literature.
P.N. Panicker
Puthuvayil Narayana Panicker (1 March 1909 – 19 June 1995) is known as the Father of the Library Movement in the Indian state of Kerala. The activities of the Kerala Grandhasala Sangham that he initiated triggered a popular cultural movement in Kerala that produced universal literacy in the state in the 1990s.
June 19, his death anniversary, has been observed in Kerala as Vayanadinam (Reading Day) since 1996. The Department of Education in Kerala also observes Vayana Vaaram (Reading Week) for a week from June 19 to 25.
In 2017, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared June 19, Kerala's Reading Day, as National Reading Day in India. The following month is also observed as National Reading Month in India.
Panicker led the formation of Thiruvithaamkoor Granthasala Sangham (Travancore Library Association) in 1945 with 47 rural libraries. The slogan of the organization was 'Read and Grow'. Later on, with the formation of Kerala State in 1956, it became Kerala Granthasala Sangham (KGS). He traveled to the villages of Kerala proclaiming the value of reading. He succeeded in bringing some 6,000 libraries into this network. Grandhasala Sangham won the ‘Krupsakaya Award’ from UNESCO in 1975. Panicker was the General Secretary of Sangham for 32 years, until 1977, when it was taken over by the State Government. It became the Kerala State Library Council, with an in-built democratic structure and funding.
After his organization was taken over by the State, Panicker became subject to political interference. In 1977 he responded by founding the Kerala Association for Non-formal Education and Development (KANFED). KANFED was instrumental in starting the Kerala State Literacy Mission, which led Kerala to its universal literacy movement. Thus, Kerala became the first state which achieved universal literacy.
Panicker took a keen interest in promoting Agricultural Books Corners. The Friendship Village Movement (Sauhrudagramam), Reading Programmes for Families, Grants for Books and building libraries and Best Reader's Award P.N. Panicker Foundation.
The Department of Posts honored Panicker by issuing a commemorative postage stamp on 21 June, 2004.
The writer being an avid literature enthusiast always picks up a dozen books whenever I visit my hometown primarily to connect with new writers and publications as I am living in a mega metropolitan city (Mumbai, India) outside Kerala.
The books are my friends, and they developed my personality, knowledge and continuous education. The books played a vital role in my grooming, and never felt alone or bored with my reading habit. The books are my friends with benefits since childhood.
Comments
Post a Comment