National Reading Month in India: A Celebration of Literacy and Learning

 

Reading is not just a skill—it's a gateway to imagination, knowledge, and empowerment. Every year, India celebrates National Reading Month from June 19 to July 18 to promote the importance of reading across all age groups. This nationwide movement is more than just a celebration—it's a call to action for every citizen to make reading a part of daily life.

The Origin: Honoring P.N. Panicker

National Reading Month commemorates the life and contributions of Puthuvayil Narayana Panicker (P.N. Panicker), regarded as the Father of the Library Movement in Kerala.

• June 19, the day he passed away in 1995, is observed as Reading Day.

• The idea of National Reading Month was initiated by the P.N. Panicker Foundation.

• In 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the first official National Reading Month, marking Panicker’s centenary year.

Why It Matters

In today’s digital world, reading remains a crucial skill for personal growth and social transformation. National Reading Month aims to:

• Improve literacy rates across all age groups.

• Promote a culture of reading in schools, colleges, and communities.

• Encourage the use of libraries and digital reading resources.

• Support the development of critical thinking and creativity through books.

Celebrations Across India

During National Reading Month, schools, colleges, libraries, and government bodies organize a wide range of activities, such as:

• Reading competitions and book fairs.

• Storytelling sessions and read-aloud events.

• Book donation drives and library exhibitions.

• Awareness campaigns on the importance of reading.

• Online quizzes and e-library access promotions.

The Ministry of Education and organizations like the CBSE, NCERT, and NIEPA also participate actively by issuing circulars, guidelines, and resources to schools nationwide.

Reading in the Digital Age

With the rise of digital platforms, reading has taken on new forms:

• E-books, audiobooks, and reading apps have made access easier.

• Initiatives like DIKSHA, ePathshala, and NROER provide free learning materials.

• The campaign encourages children and adults alike to embrace both print and digital reading for knowledge and enjoyment.

National Reading Month is not just a celebration—it’s a movement toward building a more literate, informed, and enlightened India. By fostering a love for books and a habit of daily reading, we invest in the intellectual and cultural future of the nation.