A Tribute to World Book Day & Copy Right Day
By: Dr. Meghna Dhar
“23rd April is celebrated every year as World Book and Copyright Day, also known as the International Day of the Book. The day aims to promote reading, publishing, and the protection of intellectual property through copyright across the globe.”
Books, since long have been regarded as a person’s best friend, offering companionship, wisdom, and a gateway to endless learning. Cultivating the habit of reading is essential for anyone committed to the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. Maintaining a personal library and revisiting books regularly is not just a hobby, but a lifelong habit that enriches the mind and nurtures intellectual curiosity. Reading shapes our thinking, refines our behavior, and positively influences those around us. A thoughtful reader often inspires others to explore the world of books, groups through the sharing of common experiences. It fosters students’ reading and learning habits while developing their imagination, critical thinking, and knowledge. Moreover, reading is a valuable source of pleasure. However, unless reading becomes an automatic and self-driven activity—independent of the classroom—it is unlikely to make a meaningful impact on a person’s intellectual growth and overall personality. Therefore, questions such as how to encourage reading as a habit, what factors influence this process, and who should inspire students to read become vital. In this context, the roles of writers, parents, teachers, and librarians are especially important in the field of education. A habit formed in early childhood often lasts a lifetime. Cultivating a reading culture from a young age encourages curiosity about the world and a deeper understanding of human life.
As Soni wisely notes that “Resolve to edge in a little reading every day, even if it is but a single sentence. If you gain fifteen minutes a day, it will make itself felt at the end of the year. A great work is not only to be read, but to settle in our heart and mind. Hence, the joy of reading is inseparable from the joy of communication”.
According to the Encyclopedia Americana, “Reading involves looking at graphic symbols and formulating mentally the sounds and ideas they present.” In essence, reading is a fundamental language skill—an act of sharing, communicating, and understanding information effectively. It is a personal, individual activity that requires self-engagement for deeper comprehension. True literacy goes beyond basic decoding; it is the ability to read and internalize information, forming the foundation of all learning. And learning, after all, is a continuous journey throughout life. Reading plays a vital role not only during moments of leisure but also in the demanding phases of life. It contributes significantly to both personal and professional growth, enriching our experiences and adding deeper meaning to our lives.
Book and E-Book Reading Culture
Reading culture in the 21st century is evolving rapidly, embracing both traditional print books and digital formats like e-books and audio-books. While physical books continue to hold a strong presence, e-books are gaining popularity and subtly reshaping the way people read, share, and interact with literature. This blended reading landscape reflects broader technological, social, and cultural shifts.
How E-Books Are Changing Reading Habits
E-books have had a profound impact on reading behavior. Their portability and ease of access make them ideal for on-the-go consumption, but many still prefer print books for deep, focused reading without digital distractions. One unique aspect of e-books is data tracking. Digital reading platforms provide insights into how readers engage with content. For example, non-fiction e-books often go unfinished, prompting the creation of shorter, more digestible digital works to match readers’ habits.
Social and Cultural Shifts in Reading
Digital reading is transforming the traditionally solitary act of reading into a more social and connected experience. The rise of “social reading” allows readers to share quotes, comment on passages, and recommend books online. Digital book clubs, reading apps, and discussion forums foster interaction and community-building around literature, especially among younger, tech-savvy audiences. These social elements are not just enhancing engagement but are also reshaping how reading is experienced and discussed in modern culture.
Influence of E-Books on Traditional Reading Habits
As digital technology continues to evolve, e-books are playing an increasingly influential role in shaping how people read. While offering notable advantages, they also present challenges that contrast with traditional reading experiences.
Transformation of Engagement and Social Interaction
E-books have transformed reading into a more social and interactive activity. Online book communities and platforms enable readers to share highlights, annotations, and recommendations with others—popularizing the concept of social reading. Many readers now alternate between print and digital formats based on content type, convenience, and reading environment. This flexibility reflects a growing trend toward personalized reading habits.
Challenges to Focused and Immersive Reading
Despite the benefits, e-books can also present obstacles to concentration. Moreover, for many readers, the tactile experience and sentimental value of print books remain unmatched. The sensory aspects—turning pages, the smell of paper, the physical weight of a book—are deeply tied to the pleasure of immersive reading, something that digital formats can’t fully replicate.
Conclusion:
Print books continue to be central to global reading culture, valued for their immersive and distraction-free experience. At the same time, e-books are transforming how, where, and with who people read, promoting a more connected, data-rich, and flexible experience. As technology and reading habits evolve, the future of reading is poised to be hybrid—blending the tactile pleasures of print with the convenience and interactivity of digital formats. Embracing both mediums allows readers to experience the best of both worlds and encourages a more inclusive, adaptable and engaging reading culture for generations to come. Books quench our thirst for knowledge. They help us to understand how things work, expose us to diverse cultures, and give us insights into the past. Whether we seek to learn new languages, improve ourselves, or build something new, books provide the foundation. The right books are treasure troves of information, helping us become smarter, more skilled, and more open-minded. Moreover, fostering a culture of reading through libraries plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting intellectual and cultural development. Libraries serve as community hubs where knowledge is freely accessible, encouraging people of all ages to read, reflect, and grow. In an age dominated by digital distractions, the habit of book reading remains a powerful tool for personal and societal progress. It not only educates but also elevates the human spirit—making the world a better, more thoughtful place.
(The author is Assistant Professor in
University of Jammu, Jammu)
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