Dinanath High School marks Reading Day with a pledge to read every day

Dinanath High School and Junior College recently observed Reading Day on the occasion of the birth anniversary of former President and noted scientist Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. The aim was to awaken a love of reading among students and to show how important books are in shaping knowledge, character and personality.

Dr Tejinder Singh Rawal was the chief speaker. He began by asking the children what the greatest invention of mankind is. After discussing the wheel, electricity, the computer and artificial intelligence, he named the written word as the greatest invention. According to him, writing carried knowledge, wisdom and human experience from one generation to the next, which makes a book one of the simplest time machines.

Citing Dr Kalam's books Wings of Fire and Ignited Minds, Dr Rawal told the children that the first shows how curiosity, study and perseverance can change a person's life. The second asks the country's youth to recognise their potential and help change the nation. He said one book tells what Dr Kalam achieved, while the other asks what readers themselves can achieve.

He also spoke about reading in the age of smartphones, social media and artificial intelligence. He said technology brings information quickly, but steady reading builds concentration, imagination, empathy, critical thinking and the ability to make one's own decisions. He said artificial intelligence can help in thinking but cannot replace thought. He urged the children to pick books they truly like, begin with small goals and stay regular, so that reading is not just a burden of schoolwork but a lifelong, enjoyable pastime.

A special part of the programme was the 30-Day Reading Challenge. Dr Rawal asked every student to read for 10 to 15 minutes a day and build a firm habit through small but steady steps. He reminded them that even a short time spent reading daily brings new ideas, strengthens vocabulary and understanding, and broadens outlook.

The students then raised their right hands and took a Reading Pledge. They promised to read regularly, stay curious, ask questions, think for themselves, use technology wisely, learn something new every day and inspire others to read. The moment was all the more special because the event took place during the school's Durga Puja celebrations, with an idol of Goddess Durga in the background. Dr Rawal linked the goddess's courage and strength with the intellectual power that comes from knowledge, understanding and enlightened thinking.

The programme ended with fresh enthusiasm for reading and a strong message: read every day, learn every day and move forward every day. Dr Rawal gave the children three thoughts: read to know the world, read to understand others and read to discover yourself. The initiative was a meaningful step towards preparing young readers, and the spirit of Reading Day will stay alive through the year.

AHM Runa Ghosh, supervisor Vaishali Gunashekaran and administrator Anju Seth, who are associated with the management of the Bengali Education Society, congratulated in-charge teacher Dr Jyotimani Rock and librarian Sonali Nachankar for organising such a thoughtful programme.