ABINASH SAHU 
Reading newspapers daily is a habit, a habit that perhaps keeps the person informed about the ongoing local and global events and happenings, which pertains to give them the satisfaction of being an aware citizen.
Undoubtedly, there has been a fall in the number of readers, who used to wake up in the early morning and eagerly wait for the arrival of the newspaper-man for the delivery of the newspaper at their doorstep. Even today, many people’s morning tea or breakfast wouldn’t be complete without reading a newspaper. Holding a cup of tea/coffee in one hand and taking a sip while reading the headline from the newspaper held in the other hand, this is an emotion for them. Many of us started reading newspapers at a very young age, perhaps on the advice of our parents, teachers mentors, elders or guardians and many are still loyal to it by continuing the practice of reading a Newspaper daily.
Newspapers feeds us with facts and information and is regarded as one of the most reliable and credible sources for consuming news. But today, the industry is facing many problems, we are in a new era of digitalization and with the advancement of technology and invention of social media, a major percentage of people consume news from there. Even the Covid-19 pandemic has upscaled the plights of the Newspaper industry. But we cannot deny the fact that reading a newspaper daily actually helps to many extents for having better communication skills, readability, better pronunciation, better command over the language, better vocabulary skills, a better personality to name a few.
We can affirm that regular newspaper reading boosts up the above-mentioned skills. It works as a catalyst for gaining information, being up-to-date, polish linguistic skills etc. Parents should encourage their school-going children to start reading newspapers and make it a habit or a ritual instead! Regular newspaper reading will keep them ahead in terms of gathering information and having a better personality. This will also make them informed about the happenings all around the globe, it will polish their linguistic skills as well as boost-up their command of the language. Even in many schools, daily news reading is done in the assembly after the prayers.
Koushal Patwari, a Journalism student said, “I can affirm through my personal experience that newspaper reading instils more confidence in a person. The practice of regularly reading a newspaper makes you aware of many new words, which you can put to use in everyday communication, to voice out your opinion and thoughts before others with more ease.”
“I have been teaching some students for a few years now. During their initial days with me, they struggled to utter even a few sentences properly. But on my advice, they started reading a newspaper and found themselves in a better position in just a few weeks. I would personally advise all responsible parents to gift their child with a newspaper subscription,” he added.
Reading newspaper daily helps a child not only to accumulate news and information but also helps in grooming his/her command in the language, communication skills, writing and reading skill too which helps the child to achieve better overall growth and success in life.
Written by : Abinash Sahu ( The Author is an Engineer turned Journalist and alumnus of Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal)
Edited by : Kaushal Patwari
