Read books in the digital era: A window to better horizons

As the saying goes, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Similarly, reading a book keeps ignorance away.

Studies have observed that Indians are at the top when it comes to reading habits. To ensure the holistic development of a person, reading habits need to be imparted at a much younger age—as early as ages four to seven- when a child is more receptive to gaining knowledge and applying it in real life.

Children sport an adventurous spirit, which helps them with skills for better understanding and learning of everything they see around them and read. Reading is the gateway to developing high-order thinking, culminating in enhanced writing and verbal skills. It promotes good oratory skills during the learning stages of the student’s life.

Reading is a stress buster. Studies have shown that it improves analytical skills and helps one focus, understand, and coordinate.

Reading is not a mechanical activity between the eyes and hand. It goes beyond where the role of the brain and sense organs are vital and crucial, which synchronised together the task of reading each letter, word or sentence, understanding, analysing and interpreting the outcome of the content. It is a complex process for the brain of humans as other species do not have this privilege.

Technology has its share of merits, but it has its drawbacks. The digital era now has minimised reading to mere scouting through umpteen social media platforms like emails, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, etc., which offers little scope for improving vocabulary as it comes with different jargon, short forms, etc., to communicate.

A disciplined and systematic process of reading habits by identifying the right resources helps students expand their horizons.

The benefits of reading are many. Namely,

Good communication skills: The habit of reading books develops good communication in public forums.

Confidence: A hold on communication and language is a stepping stone to gaining self-confidence while presenting speeches and instructing the team.

Writing skills: Reading further translates to enhanced writing skills and a hold on comprehension writing, which is essential.

Knowledge: Reading widens the scope of gaining knowledge through books on various subjects and genres.

Companionship: Books can be one’s best friends. You do not need to look for a friend every time; an individual longing for company can find one by reading books.

Critical thinking: Reading books inculcates better analysis and critical thinking in an individual to approach real-life scenarios and mitigate day-to-day challenges.

In short, reading helps in the holistic well-being of an individual. It helps people cope and accommodate themselves in today’s fast-paced lifestyle.

Yes, students, it’s high time you started or restarted reading books. With just a touch of a button or your mobile screen, you can immediately look into any material, but reading will save you and your eyes. Your eyes will have a better future and longevity.

So, for now, take the first step of reading a little. Borrow a book from your library and see how you already have a friend who will not deceive you and will remain with you and your thoughts forever.

A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.

(The author is an academic mentor)