National Reading Day
Raja Kunwar Singh Subharti Department of Library & Information Science, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut celebrated National Reading Day on 19th June 2025. The primary objectives of this event were to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. P.N. Panicker, widely regarded as the father of the library movement in Kerala, and to foster a culture of reading among students, especially in the context of the digital age. The event also aimed to highlight reading as a fundamental skill essential for both personal and academic growth, and to align the university’s efforts with the objectives of the National Education Policy and UGC guidelines by promoting reading habits within educational institutions.
The event commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony before Goddess Saraswati, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. This auspicious start was graced by the presence of distinguished guests including Dr. Sudhir Tyagi, Dean, Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Sandeep Chaudhary, Dean, Faculty of Education, Dr. Manoj Tripathi, Head Liberal Arts, Dr. Monika Mehrotra, Convener, Swami Vivekanand Chair along with faculty members, students, and staff from various departments. The central highlight of the program was a special lecture on the “Importance of Reading in the Digital Age.” This session underscored the enduring value of books and the unique depth of knowledge they offer, even as digital resources become increasingly prevalent.
The program commenced with a welcome speech by Dr. Sudhir Tyagi, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, in which he highlighted the importance of developing strong reading habits among students in this era. He stated that beyond classroom learning, libraries play a crucial role in fostering all-round development. In the digital age, while information is easily accessible, deep reading is often overlooked. Reading not only helps us acquire knowledge but also enhances critical thinking, imagination, and empathy. Both physical and digital libraries are vital resources for growth. He urge everyone to make the most of these resources and cultivate reading as a regular habit to enrich minds and promote mental well-being.
Keynote speaker Dr. Sandeep Chaudhary, Dean, Faculty of Education emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong connection with physical books despite the convenience of digital reading materials. He encouraged students to be discerning in their reading choices and to cultivate the habit of offline reading for deeper understanding. Dr. Manoj Tripathi further elaborated on the distinction between information and knowledge, asserting that while online platforms provide easy access to information, true wisdom and inspiration are often found in books. He referenced motivational works such as “Wings of Fire” by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and “I Dare” book by Kiran Bedi to illustrate his point. Dr. Monika Mehrotra, spoke about the mental health benefits of reading books compared to excessive mobile usage, describing books as selfless teachers that impart wisdom without expectation. Dr. Sudhir Tyagi concluded the series of addresses by highlighting the necessity of developing reading habits for the holistic development and mental well-being of students.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from all faculty members, staff and students including Dr. Sapna Sharma, Dr. Alpana, and Mrs. Bhavana, Mr. Rajendra, Ms. Swati, reflecting a strong sense of community engagement. The proceedings concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Sapna Sharma, acknowledging the contributions of all participants and organizers.
The outcomes of the National Reading Day celebration were highly positive. The event significantly increased awareness about the importance of reading, particularly in the digital era. Students and faculty alike were motivated to strengthen their reading habits, recognizing its crucial role in personal growth, stress reduction, and academic success. Moreover, the event fostered a sense of unity and collaboration among participants, with active involvement from various departments and staff members. Attendees expressed appreciation for the insights shared by the speakers and the overall organization of the program, indicating widespread satisfaction and positive feedback.
