Let me start with a beautiful quote of George R.Martin, “A reader lives at house and lives before he dies.” When ever I feel lonely books unequivocally captivate my mood and give a sort of solace to my mind and body. Besides relief they provide knowledge, information and increase our level of intellect. I have seen a lot of students at the University of Kashmir busy with their cell phones wasting their precious time without gaining any fruitful outcome. They should use this time in the Alama Iqbal library were and enormous collection of books available on varied subjects. Due to the onset of internet a very negligible number of students are visiting libraries. The fact is that the culture of book reading diminishes at it’s faster rate. No doubt Internet has drastically shifted the education system into a new mode but we can’t ignore the importance of book reading. People have lost the touch with books as a result misinformation is spreading on social networks like a wild fire. No doubt technology has sanctified every aspect of education but due to this technology we are forfeiting the taste of book reading. If we look towards the advanced countries the culture of book reading is still prevalent there but in the Asian countries such type of culture is totally missing. The fact is our new generation is drifting away from the taste & aroma that a reader smells. W.Eliot has rightly said, “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” Reading is an excellent habit that one needs to develop in the course of life. To understand the creation plan of God without reading it is impossible to know these lf as well as the creation plan of God. Reading is as important as exercise to the body. It helps the students to be optimistic and ready to fight with the challenges of life. It develops and increases the cognitive competency of mind and keeps the cells of brain active all the time. Through reading one can improve his/ her vocabulary and develops the communication skills easily. Books enable us to have a glimpse into cultures, traditions, arts, history, geography, health, psychology and several other subjects.
According to Albert Einstein, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited, Imagination encircles the world. “Reading takes you to the world of imagination and enhances your creativity. Reading helps you to explore life from different perspectives. While you read books you are building new and creative thoughts, images and opinions in your mind. It makes you think creatively, fantasize and use your imagination. The only way to get rid of misconceptions is to keep the mind open and be willing to learn new things all the time. One of the best ways to learn new things is to be a constant reader. Books take you into a different world altogether. Away from the stress & despair we have to face all day, taking us along a beautiful, untraded path. As your ead, you’ll come across new information. People who consistently reading books develop arch data base of knowledge. By active reading, you explore several aspects of life. It helps to develop new thoughts and makes you to express your opinions. New ideas and thoughts prop up in your mind by active reading. It gives a hope making us believe there is something beyond imagination.Last but not the least the habit of reading is one of the best qualities that a student should possess. Books are known to be the best companions they let you travel without moving your feet. It is a great amusement to sit in a quiet room and enjoy reading in this harsh winter. In reality good book will give you wings. There can’t be better companion than a better book. By reading books on daily routine one can get the highest pleasure. Marcus Tullius Cicero who was one of the Roman statesman and philosopher who tried to uphold optimate principles during the political crises that led to the establishment of the Roman Empire has rightly remarked that, “A room without books is like a body without a soul.”
(Author is a freelancer. Views are exclusively his own)
