KARACHI:
To quote George Martin, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies; the man who never reads only one.” Book reading for my generation — I am in my mid-forties — was considered a character-building activity and a landmark characteristic of the educated strata. Therefore, the habit of reading was and continues to be an enriching experience that enhances mental stimulation for people like me who still read the newspaper first thing in the morning.
However, what I have observed in the upcoming generation is that the reading culture has diminished greatly. In a fast-paced technology driven era, the idea of reading a book in a peaceful corner of a library is considered old fashioned. As per results of a recent survey, 75% of students are reading only to write assignments and pass tests. Another study revealed that people, especially the younger lot, are using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Instagram for about 6-9 hours daily; they don’t realise how quickly they are wasting their precious time. People have developed a low concentration span and opt for quick cursory reading instead. They seem to have forgotten or maybe were never taught that reading not only nourishes the soul but also rejuvenates the human intellect. There is something about tangible books and physically turning a page that has stood the test of technology. Think tanks are stressing the lasting impact that the written word can have on our minds.
For the sake of promoting the reading culture, colleges and universities have to take it on themselves to initiate reading groups and reading theatres. Considering the cost of printed books nowadays, we can promote libraries and book clubs for the exchange and purchase of used books. Through such steps, we may redefine what is considered ‘cooler’ and more fashionable — browsing through smart phones or reading a book.
Salma Tahir
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, March 30th, 2021.
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