The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Positive role of newspaper reading habit stressed

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Thursday, Jul 02, 2009
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Positive role of newspaper reading habit stressed

Staff Reporter

Launch of The Hindu Newspaper in Education programme for 2009-10

— Photo: S.R. Raghunathan

In-discussion: Tiruvallur Collector V.Palani Kumar (second from right), interacts with students of Velammal International School, Panchetti, at the launch of The Hindu NIE programme on Wednesday. The School Principal K.Kothandaraman (right), is in the picture.

CHENNAI: The habit of reading brings about changes not only among individuals but also in society at large. Books have influenced world leaders who played a major role in freedom struggles and were instrumental in ushering in reforms in society, Tiruvallur Collector V. Palani Kumar said here at the launch of The Hindu Newspaper in Education (NIE) programme for 2009-10 on Wednesday.

Addressing a large gathering of students at the Velammal International School, Panchetti, he said that reading habit must be nurtured among children to enrich their knowledge. Newspapers play a pivotal role in sensitising youngsters about contemporary issues and developing their language skills.

“Newspapers keep us informed about the changes that take place in the world. The Hindu imparts knowledge about multifarious subjects… another major trait of the newspaper is the importance given to providing credible information to its readers,” Mr. Palani Kumar said.

He recalled how reading The Hindu helped him prepare for the civil service examination. Highlighting the relevance of the NIE programme, he said that it facilitated in increasing awareness about a wide range of topics among the students and also in developing their creativity.

Commending the school’s initiatives, Mr. Palani Kumar said it promoted life-oriented education on a par with global standards. The purpose of education was to inculcate both discipline and enhance the knowledge of the students.

He distributed certificates to 25 students who excelled in NIE programmes and the Young World quiz competition.

Principal of Velammal International School K. Kothandaraman said that the school conducted the Young World Quiz every week to cultivate the habit of reading newspapers among the students. The school handbook also had an exclusive page for newspaper education.

On the NIE programme, Regional General Manager (Circulation) of The Hindu N. Krishnan said it was a fun-based, interactive programme that served as a platform to showcase the talent of the children. Nearly six lakh students of about 350 schools in and around the city benefited from it.

The initiative was implemented in 112 centres across the country. Under The Hindu NIE programme, about 60 different skill set modules such as public speaking, vocabulary, pronunciation and handling examinations are offered.

“We also organise Young World quiz, Young World painting competition and online IQ contest for students. This year, we plan to conduct spelling competitions and an inter-school science fest in which students from 200 schools will have an opportunity to present their creative projects,” he said.

A workshop for the teaching fraternity is also on the anvil.

The NIE programme was being conducted for the past four years at the Velammal International School wherein about 300 students of classes six to ten benefited, he added.

A few students also shared their experience about the NIE programme that promoted education through fun activities such as puzzles, dramatics and poems. Regional Manager (Circulation), The Hindu, P. Subramaniam and school vice-principal Sunitha Rao participated in the function.

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