Let’s Foster a Culture of Reading in Our Society

Bushra Parveen

In a modern world of today, connection of human beings with written words is need of the hour. If we are to cultivate our society towards a culture of reading and writing, we have to revolutionise our society with the modern tendencies of readings. We definitely need a culture of books and library, a culture that fits in the modern age reading methodologies that suits to IT prone kids, adolescents and youth. Fondness of reading for members of all age groups can bring about a wholesome change in a mediocre society because difference between a developed and backward society is that of knowledgeable and semi-knowledgeable members of a society.
The importance of books as a supportive role, knowledge and information through cyber tools cannot be ignored for present and coming times. Therefore, all that is printed as reading material should also be available on the net for ready reference. The written expression, is unique and even advanced technological developments cannot rule out its importance. In modern world, both books and newspapers are equally important to people of a society and development of information technology has not yet provided any alternate of books and other printed material. We need a comprehensive strategy for connecting all tiers of society with the love of written expression. Unless and until majority of a society develops fondness for reading, no academic and cultural progress can be made in any sphere of life. In the present age of information technology, reading habits help in transcending individuals to equip themselves with latest knowledge to cope with ever new challenges in different fields of life. We need to evoke fondness of reading books as a strategy in academic institutions and society alike. In a developed world reading habits are much more stronger as compare to developing nations and enrichment in readings makes the difference between developed and underdeveloped nations. We need to see why our education system has not yet been able to foster reading habits and what role our educational institutions need to play to instill a genuine love for reading books on culture, literature, history etc. In this century of diverse knowledge, we need reading materials that give the readers diversity of choice and ignite curiosity and passion among them for more readings. Teachers, as a role model, can play an important role in shaping and showcasing the relevance between reading habits and success in present day life. We also need to take steps for an active policy to engage our society in the process of developing proneness to reading and this policy should also focus on establishing public libraries, free distribution of reading material, establishing book clubs, book reading competitions, cultural and literary events and discussion forums. Reading habit should be a common activity and not an isolated activity as this age of digital developments has made us prone to commonalities rather than individualities. This way, we can make books and other reading material more accessible to people of a society as per their taste and cultural values. The aim and purpose of a modern day writer is to create love for reading and this can only be done through reshaping the literary, cultural, social and scientific perceptions in a simple and attractive manner. Reading is an esteemed activity beyond any material gain and this is what we need to infuse in the minds of our rising generation. It’s a success beyond material success and it’s an elevation beyond worldly loftiness. This is what parents and teachers need to tell their children and engage them in reading habits as a lifelong habit. By integrating such reading strategies and approaches in educational and family systems, communities, cultural and social forums, we can create an environment to make reading habits a part of personal pride, to which a society can cherish as individual and collective pride. As we know, pursuit of knowledge through art, literature, culture, history and science enriches and elevates a society in modern world, where knowledge is power in its true sense and sensibility.

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