Many students, even adults, have stopped reading these days (“Reading is basic to democracy,” Jan. 20). They have perhaps not been taught the importance of reading and the pivotal role it plays in education. It would seem that we have spared the book and spoilt the youth. To some extent, the visual media are to blame for this state of affairs.
N.M. Ravisankar,Kozhikode
In addition to providing knowledge and entertainment, reading inculcates values such as humility, tolerance, courage of conviction, analytical skills and, above all, maturity of mind. As a long-time teacher and lifetime student of English, I cannot but regret that the reading habit has declined. Gone are the days when students read at home the articles and editorials recommended in classrooms and came up with their own views and responses. These days, such exercises do not have many takers because committed readers in the student community are hard to come by.
It is the collective responsibility of parents and teachers of all languages to ensure that the young are never allowed to feel dis-incentivised about the real benefits of reading.
S. Balu,Madurai
I remember the days when I read anything that came my way — from comics to newspapers to magazines. Reading is an exercise that relaxes you while quenching your thirst for knowledge. If reading is inculcated from early childhood, youngsters can be saved from evils such as smoking and drinking.
Sunil Kadyan,Panipat
If we have bred a generation that is not interested in reading, the fault is entirely ours. The excessive importance given to science and technological subjects, and the entrance exam-oriented approach, have resulted in the decline of reading habits and skills. The overwhelming influence of the electronic medium is another major factor that militates against active thought and imagination fostered by reading.
A meaningful beginning can be made by bringing back the importance given to language and arts subjects in school and college curricula. The reading of fiction and non-fiction texts, appreciation of poetry, etc., must be accepted as the mark of the educated, literate person.
K. Parameswaran,Coimbatore
When I conducted a few classes in government schools in a couple of villages in Nagaur in Rajasthan, I was shocked to find that children from class four and six could not even read the text, let alone interpret their meaning. Nothing needs to be underscored more than the need to maintain good libraries with adequate children's literature in government schools across the country. Only a well-read and learned citizenry can make our democracy functional in the true sense of the term.
Lokeshkumar Jangid,New Delhi
