Reading
gives me immense pleasure. The experience of perusing one of my favorite books
is similar to enjoying a gourmet meal. It
is my best antidote to ward off troubling thoughts. Some books I have read a
number of times and each perusal provides new insights into aspects of the content,
which hitherto escaped attention. Books are our all-weather friends and so
loyal that they remain at our disposal at any time. In addition, they are
reservoirs of knowledge and ever ready to share their secrets with us. They transport us to the company of great
minds in all spheres of life, enabling us to participate in a profound learning
exercise. Books nudge the inner self out of passivity and teach lifelong
lessons.
Luckily, my children developed enduring
fascination for books from an early age because of my encouragement and
allowing them to buy books of their choice.
Sadly, love
of reading is slowly losing its appeal among the youth of today. However, they
are not entirely to blame. Internet browsing, status updates on social networking
sites, cell phones, i pads et al take so much of their time that inculcating
interest in reading takes a back seat. Fortunately, this is not so with all the
kids. Our grandchildren do indulge in operating all these gadgets but they are
also avid readers. Our eldest grandson had devoured the available ‘HARRY POTTER’
volumes before he was ten. Interestingly, the younger one, as soon as he
finishes his homework, relaxes with a book. The books suffused with supernatural story lines similar to that of HARRY POTTER have caught the imagination of the
kids all over the world.
There is an amusing incident connected with our
younger grandson, regarding his overriding interest in reading books. Once, he finished
his term paper quickly in order to get out, to read the book, he got issued
from the school library. In haste, he left two questions unanswered as he
forgot to turn the page of the question paper.
There are no
bookworms anymore in the literal sense because with the onslaught of
information deluge, children are interested in manifold activities.
There is no
gainsaying that in developing reading habits of children, parents role is
significant. Giving books, as gifts on special occasions, chaperoning the kids
to the neighborhood library and helping them to select appropriate books can
generate love of reading. Stocking home library with books on assorted subjects
and dinner table light conversations about books, parents are familiar with,
can whet children’s curiosity favorably.
I consider keeping a good dictionary at a
convenient place at home and persuading the kids to consult regularly. A
valuable prompt to enhance vocabulary for better enjoyment of the content.
Teachers by accompanying the kids to the school library and suggesting books
would wield positive influence. The follow up action of monitoring the activity
through student participation in class discussions can help in habit formation.
The Amazon.
com’s ‘Kindle’ can store hundreds of e-books of your choice, while promoting
comfortable reading at any time and place. There is no need to waste time in doctors’
waiting rooms or at airports and at other places with Kindle in your purse. The
reading experience on Kindle with an adjustable formatting and background light
is an asset for book lovers.
In spite of mind boggling advancements in
technology to hook the attention of the youth, the pure pleasure of sitting on
the bed at the end of the day with the peculiar feel of turning the pages, is a pleasure
never to be reciprocated.
Friends,your thoughts on the topic are welcome!
