In a bid to encourage reading habits among children, around 8,000 books were distributed in the libraries of 144 government schools here as part of The Hindu Group’s ‘Read and Rise’ initiative in association with SIPCOT Cuddalore on Saturday.
At a function held at the Town Hall, Minister for Industries M.C. Sampath handed over 54 books each in a bundle to the school authorities.
The value of the books donated to the students was around ₹15 lakh. SIPCOT has joined the initiative under its Corporate Social Responsibility programme.
Mr. Sampath complimented the management of The Hindu Group and SIPCOT for the noble initiative. At a time when children were glued to mobile phones, television sets and laptops, the two organisations had come forward to encourage reading habits in children, he said.
“The habits of children have changed over the years. There is too much addiction for mobile phones and laptops which is not an encouraging sign. Children have to come out of the habit and read books,” he said.
Urging children to use their free time at school in the library, he said it was important to acquire knowledge in diverse subjects to face future challenges.
He said there were around 519 government schools in Cuddalore.
In the first phase, 144 schools had been included. The Minister distributed books among students.
District Collector V. Anbuselvan, in his address, stressed on the need to encourage students to continuously update their knowledge. And for that, he said, children should inculcate reading habit.
R. Srinivasan, national head, special publication, The Hindu Group, Tamil Selvi, project officer, and RA Babu Vijay, general manager, sales and distribution (Circulation), The Hindu , were present.
