Technology is meant to facilitate learning, not to take up the entire process. We need to motivate ourselves and the coming generation to read more books.
Rakshanda Gul
Today is the age of technology; almost everything is available on the internet: reading, shopping, learning, and even entertainment. People spend most of their time on mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. While technology has made life easier, it has also reduced our connection with physical books. Earlier, reading a book meant sitting quietly, focusing deeply, and understanding the content with patience. Now, people prefer quick information, short summaries, and ready-made notes available online.
Every year, World Book Day reminds us of the significance of books in our lives. It is a day meant to be celebrated for books and authors, and also to motivate people, particularly the younger generation, to cultivate a passion for reading and writing. However, in today’s fast-moving digital age, the way we read and learn has changed significantly.
If we look back at our past, many homes had small libraries or at least a collection of books. These books were not just for one person; they were passed from one generation to another. Parents encouraged their children to read storybooks, novels, and educational material. Reading was considered a valuable habit. It helped improve language, thinking ability, and creativity. Books were treated with respect, and they played an important role in shaping young minds.
In contrast, today’s generation is growing up in a completely different environment. Children are more attached to screens than books. They prefer watching videos or reading short content online instead of reading full books. Even in education, online teaching and digital notes have become very common. Students often rely on ready-made notes, which are helpful, but they limit deep learning. When everything is easily available, students do not feel the need to explore more or search for additional information.
Earlier, students had to struggle to find study material. They went to libraries, read books, and consulted various sources to grasp their subject. This enabled them to have good research skills and understanding. Note-taking was not an easy task, which is what made their learning effective. Today, many students avoid writing their own notes because everything is already prepared for them online. This reduces creativity and independent thinking.
It is equally important to point out that books encourage people to write more. When one reads more, one feels inclined to write about his/her own experience and views. Book writing, article writing, or even note-taking is essential for knowledge sharing among different individuals. A few years back, several authors used to write down things as per their experiences and the knowledge they got through reading books. Today, although many people share content online, the depth and quality of writing often suffer due to the habit of quick consumption.
This does not mean that technology is bad. In fact, it has made knowledge more accessible than ever before. People can read e-books, research papers, and articles from anywhere in the world. Online platforms have also allowed new writers to share their work easily. However, the problem arises when technology completely replaces the habit of reading books. There should be a balance between digital reading and traditional reading.
Physical reading has its own advantages, too. Reading is very helpful for increasing concentration levels, relieving stress, and improving comprehension. While reading a book, an individual creates an emotional connection with it. An individual pictures out the characters and situations. This kind of reading cannot be fully replaced by scrolling through a screen. Books also help in building patience, which is very important in today’s fast-paced life.
Parents and teachers can play a crucial role in encouraging children to read books. They must provide a conducive reading atmosphere both at home and in schools. Small efforts like fixing a reading time per day, gift giving of books, and talking about books may prove useful. Libraries need to engage more in book-related activities, and children must be encouraged to read books not covered in syllabi.
The youth should also know the importance of reading. It does not only involve examinations and grades but also self-improvement. Reading books may provide one with new perspectives, enhance their ability to communicate, and boost their confidence. It also helps in developing a broader perspective on life and society. Instead of depending only on the internet, students should try to read books on different subjects and make their own notes.
World Book Day reminds us that books are an essential part of our lives. Even though we are living in a digital world, we should not forget the importance of reading books. Technology is meant to facilitate learning, but not to take up the entire process. We need to motivate ourselves and the coming generation to read more books and inculcate the culture of writing. This way, we will make sure that knowledge and wisdom continue to flourish in society.
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