Reading; an essential, and learning activity of today’s time dates back to the initiation of humankind. Even before the advent of television, reading was the medium to express, communicate, and even converse. But, soon, it started being considered ”boring”! Furthermore, the limitation of the availability of reading material to everyone mitigated the elevation of reading as a habit.
It was then that literacy, and the value of libraries needed a refreshment. And, a man named P.N. Panicker did that! It was his library movement that gave us our National Reading Day today. Let’s discuss this significant day in detail!
What is National Reading Day?
National Reading day is an occasion celebrated to honor the initiation of the library movement by P.N. Panicker or Puthuvayil Narayana Panicker. He pioneered the establishment of the first Library in Kerala, and this marked the advent of the literacy movement in India.
Since then, reading is celebrated all over India to respect, and honor the contribution of P.N. Panicker. And, to appreciate the art of reading that gives us immense power., we now celebrate National Reading Day on his death anniversary. Let’s dig into its history a bit more!
History of National Reading Day
National History Day dates back to the 1990s. And, the celebration started in 1996. But, with each passing year, the national reading day is gaining significance, and people, and organizations are coming forward to appreciate, and embrace the importance of this day.
Who Started National Reading Day?
It was 1990 in Kerala when P.N. Panicker pioneered the cultural movement to initiate advocacy of reading. He initiated the National reading day with the establishment of the first-ever library in Kerala.
Who Was P.N. Panicker?
P.N Panicker was a teacher and contributed greatly to the world of literacy. He initiated the Kerala Library named Sanadanadharmam in his hometown. And, this was one of the first libraries that let people explore reading and the value of books.
Who Declared June 19 National Reading Day?
Even Though the day was inaugurated back in the 1990s, it was in 2017, when Mr. Narendra Modi; PM of India declared June 19 as National Reading Day. Since then, the day is celebrated on June 19 every year.
Why is National Reading Day Celebrated in India?
Literacy is important. And, to appreciate the initiation, and establishment of the first library, National Reading day is celebrated on the occasion of Mr. P.N Panicker’s death anniversary. The day is dedicated to honoring his contribution, and participation in taking Indian literacy to levels.
Significance of Reading Day
As we know the day is celebrated on the occasion of the Library movement, it marks the initiation of libraries in India. The Library movement happened back in the 1900s. At that time, reading was not a daily activity, and only a privileged few were able to buy books.
But, libraries opened doors of reading to the world. Now, anyone with access to the library can read. This fueled the awareness of reading, literacy, and also the importance of language in communication.
How Can We Celebrate National Reading Day?
To honor National Reading day, everyone can have their way of celebrating National Reading Day. One can celebrate by reading a favorite book, gifting a book to a friend, or a family member. Schools and colleges also celebrate the day by organizing reading competitions, debates, and extemporary challenges.
Not only these, but the day can also be celebrated by exchanging important learnings, and stories of reading journeys of peer groups. Other than these, organizations, schools, and colleges can also celebrate this day by organizing activities.
What are Some of the National Reading Day Activities to Celebrate?
To make this day engaging, and memorable for members, there can be activities organized. These can be organized on an organization, or zonal level as well. Some of these activities can be –
● Theme debates
● Storytelling competitions
● Classroom Library, or local library establishment for a day
● Free giveaway of books
And many more! Once organized, these activities can motivate participants to include reading in their daily schedules, and also enjoy it! After all, reading is something that can help comprehend, initiate, and also provide a better perspective towards everything and anything!
Quotes on Reading
“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.”
~Jim Rohn
“Think before you speak. Read before you think.”
~Fran Lebowitz
“Let’s be reasonable and add an eighth day to the week that is devoted exclusively to reading.”
~Lena Dunham
“The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest (people) of the past centuries.”
~Descartes
“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.”
~Margaret Fuller
“Reading brings us, unknown friends”
~Honoré de Balzac
“No. I can survive well enough on my own—if given the proper reading material.”
~Sarah J. Maas
“My alma mater was books, a good library…. I could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity.”
~Malcolm X
“Some books leave us free and some books make us free.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”
~Frederick Douglas
“To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.”
~Victor Hugo
FAQs on National Reading Day in India
Who is the Father of Reading Day?
Mr. P.N Panicker is said to be the father of the Library movement, and National Reading Day!
What is the Full Name of P.N. Panicker?
His full name was Puthuvayil Narayana Panicker.
What is Vayana Dinam?
Vanaya Dinam means Reading day in Kerala’s local language. Reading day is called Vanaya Dinam in Kerala.
How and Why is Reading Day Celebrated in Kerala?
It is celebrated on June 19 to honor P.N Panicker who pioneered the establishment of libraries in India.
