Subhechcha Ganguly 
According to a recent research conducted by YSI, Youth Society of India the reading habit in the Youth has decreased by 17% in India. Compared to the reading habit nowadays people are more glued to OTT platforms and visual mediums. Apart from several other reasons one reason can possibly be the lack of patience. Let us know more about this phenomenon and get the views of the Eminent Author Harinder Cheema.
Q1) Tell us about your experience and how do you feel about reading books ? Are you a person who reads books via e platforms or do you use hard copies?
Ans :This is a very common question asked , especially to a writer in these times. I would like to say that I am a writer today only because I was an avid reader back in time.
My passion for reading books started at a very early age . My father used to bring books for me and encouraged me to create a small library in my room. I loved doing it and was very proud of that corner in my room. I started with Enid Blyton’s Books and would read one book every day after coming back from school. It was a part of my daily routine. I used to look forward to that time of the day . I feel that reading has a therapeutic effect. It soothes the mind and uplifts the spirit. Personally for me it is a high dopamine activity.
I still love the feel of a physical book in my hand. I prefer reading a hard copy . However with changing times one does find it convenient to read via apps especially while travelling as you want to travel light .
At the end of the day it is more important to read in whichever way one wants to do or finds it convenient.
Q2) There is a large section of people who has no interest in reading books. What do you think are the advantages of reading books ?
Ans :I would say that there are only and only advantages of reading Books.
The habit of reading books changes the personality of the reader. The reader becomes more aware and knowledgeable, wise and creative and such a person would only add value to the Society. Let us also remember that a learned and a well read person commands great respect . An avid reader can slowly transform into a writer if he so desires.
Q3) Nowadays reading less books have resulted in lesser understanding and vocabulary ? What do you have to say about this statement.
Ans :We have always seen that the wise and educated parents consciously inculcate the habit of reading in their children. As a result the child at a very young age develops better understanding and is more confident.
On the contrary those who do not read are less creative and even under confident.
Reading is good for personality development and also for a better understanding of things.
Q4) Do you feel parents and teachers can play an active role in making the reading habits of students better . Do let us know your view points on this.
Ans :Yes definitely! Parents and Teachers can play a very positive role in encouraging the children to read more at an early age.
Parents at home and Teachers at school
need to guide the children to learn more through reading as reading helps to widen the horizons for overall development and better understanding. Parents can take their children to Book fairs, encourage them to create small libraries in their rooms, tell them about great writers and their works to create their interest in reading .
Children should be encouraged to read in their free time in school. Teachers can guide children on what to read as good and positive Literature has an uplifting effect and also helps to shape the character of an individual. So a reader stands only to gain and becomes more creative, imaginative, knowledgeable and wise. In the company of books, one never feels lonely and life becomes more beautiful and interesting.
