Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 2 : Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Saturday underlined the need of inculcating book reading in new generation to keep this culture alive. He said the advancement in technology and enhanced coverage by TV channels; internet and computers have declined the habit of book reading especially in the younger generation.
Addressing a gathering of writers, educationists, students and lovers of literature after inaugurating book fair at S. P. College here, the Chief Minister said that holding of book fair in Srinagar by National Book Trust of India after 1986 is a welcome step in the direction of reviving the habit of book reading among the people.
Omar Abdullah said that it is observed that present generation is not so fond of reading books. “They instead watch TV or remain busy with internet or play video games on computers”, he said stressing on developing the culture of book reading among young boys and girls.
The Chief Minister said that holding of book fairs as a regular events should be nurtured, adding that universities in the State and National Book Trust of India could join hands in this affair.
Minister for Higher Education, Abdul Gani Malik also spoke on the occasion while Deputy Chairman Legislative Council, Mohammad Yousuf Taing, Vice Chancellor Kashmir University, Talat Ahmad and Principal S. P. College Nazir Ahmad Gilkar were present.
As many as 110 publishing houses from the State and outside have displayed books on various subjects in about 175 stalls established in the fair. The fair would continue up to 10th June and entry to the fair is free of cost.
Meanwhile, in a seprate function , Mr. Omar asked All India Service Probationers from Jammu and Kashmir to make sincere public service delivery benchmark in their service career.
Congratulating the probationers for qualify the prestigious All India Service examination 2011-12, Omar Abdullah expressed satisfaction over the trend developed in youth of Jammu and Kashmir to prove their mettle and intelligence at the national level.
The Chief Minister during the interaction with the probationers who called on him here today shared various life experiences with them. He said Jammu and Kashmir would be glad enough to utilize their services in the State. “If we have to talk to the Government of India at the highest level in this regard, we would do so”, he told the probationers who expressed desire to serve the people in the State.
The Chief Minister said that good work done by an officer denotes his goodness and the young probationers of All India Service should bear this principal in mind while rendering their service to the people anywhere in the world.
The Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas was also present on the occasion.
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