No culture or civilisation can thrive in absence of knowledge. And what can be a better source of knowledge than man’s ‘most loyal friend’, books? Reading is a skill that can nurture and develop every mind. Since ages, books have been playing an essential role in shaping up successful personalities around the globe. As we celebrate the National Reading Day, President of Panchsheel Vachnalaya Dattatrey Narayanrao Supner talks about the changing trends in reading habits with ‘The Hitavada’. During his 30 years of association with the esteemed Panchsheel Vachnalaya, Supner has witnessed several changes in city’s reading culture. One of the most unpleasant changes, according to Supner, is the constant and rapid decline in reading habit at large.

 

“It’s a misconception that only youngsters are drifting away from reading books. Unfortunately, even the seniors in our society are not reading much and this is a matter of grave concern for any civilisation,” laments Supner. Supner is aware of the fact that the young generation is growing up in a digital media environment and e-books are becoming quite popular in our busy lifestyle. Supner takes pride in demolishing the belief that e-books are taking a toll on the hard copies or books. According to him, most of the voracious readers still prefer hard copies over e-books and audio books that are available on internet. “In our Vachnalaya, we have committed readers and especially the elder generation still prefers hard copies,” adds Supner providing a great solace to the print industry. However, he admits that in current era digital platform is becoming an inseparable part of our lives, be it classrooms or our homes. “We can’t retain the entire content of the book. At some point we all need to revisit a book for certain references. This can be much easier if we have the hard copies at our disposal”, points out Supner.

 

When asked about the footfall in his Vachnalaya, Supner informs that post pandemic the number of readers visiting the Vachnalaya has dropped to almost 25%. “During the COVID-infused lockdown, like most of the establishments, many libraries remained closed, and our Vachnalaya was not an exception. This was the time when some of our readers preferred ordering books online as they had no other option,” adds Supner. As the President of the Vachnalaya elaborates on the changing trends in reading today, he draws our attention to the most important benefit of reading and that is relaxation of mind. While urging the young and old to read more, he adds that a good book works as a portal to newer worlds and have the potential to broaden your perspective.

 

On the day especially dedicated to reading, Supner laments the fact that for most of the youngsters reading books are confined only to their academic texts. “Most of the youngsters think that reading their course books is sufficient to gain knowledge. And for elders, their reading habit is limited to newspapers. We must understand that knowledge and wisdom are two different sides of the same coin”,states Supner. As Supner hopes for a society enriched by enlightened individuals with a decent knowledge and understand of things and their surrounding and culture, he sums up with famous quote of B R Ambedkar, “Waachal tar Wachal” (Read to Survive.) n