Author: Dr. Ritika Sambyal, Faculty
“The magic of words is that they can paint a picture in your mind more vividly than any brush or camera ever could.”- Ruskin Bond
In our busy lives, how many of us carve out consistent time for reading, whether it’s the daily news, a captivating novel, or an insightful magazine? It begs the question: why does the initial spark of interest so often flicker and fade into instant boredom when we attempt to immerse ourselves in even a short piece or a book chapter? As the calendar turns towards April 23rd, the world prepares to celebrate World Book Day-a poignant reminder of the profound impact books have on our lives and societies. It’s an annual international celebration organised by UNESCO to promote reading, books, etc. In an increasingly digital age, where screens illuminate our days and keyboards often replace pen and paper, this annual observance offers a crucial opportunity to reflect not only on the joy of reading but also on the enduring importance of putting down our thoughts by hand instead of gadgets.
The charm of a book is multifaceted. It lies in the portal it opens to other worlds, the empathy it fosters by allowing us to walk in another’s shoes, and the knowledge it imparts, enriching our understanding of history, science, and the human condition. Reading cultivates critical thinking, expands vocabulary, and hones our ability to articulate our own thoughts. It provides relief in solitude, sparks conversations, and bridges cultural divides. In a world saturated with fleeting information, the sustained engagement required by reading a book offers a vital anchor for our minds.
More than just ink on paper, books are keys that unlock understanding. They grant us access to the wisdom of ages, the thrill of adventure, the empathy of shared human experiences. Imagine a world without stories. Our conversations would be shallower, our imaginations dimmer, our connection to history and culture fractured. Whether it’s the morning newspaper that keeps us informed, the captivating novel that offers an escape, or the insightful non-fiction that broadens our perspectives, reading weaves itself into the very fabric of our daily lives, enriching it in countless ways.
Imagine a world without stories. Our conversations would be shallower, our imaginations dimmer, our connection to history and culture fractured. Whether it’s the morning newspaper that keeps us informed, the captivating novel that offers an escape, or the insightful non-fiction that broadens our perspectives, reading weaves itself into the very fabric of our daily lives, enriching it in countless ways.
On World Book Day 2025, let us pledge to cultivate a love of reading within ourselves and inspire it in others. Let us celebrate not only the stories within books but also the act of their creation. Let us commit to making reading a conscious and cherished part of our daily lives. Pick up a neglected book, subscribe to an engaging magazine, or immerse yourself in an intriguing online article. Open a page, and you unlock endless possibilities. For, in the insightful words of Elizabeth Hardwick, “The best of all gifts is the power to have pleasure in reading.”
, Udhampur Campus, University of Jammu
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