Governor urges preserving joy of reading conventional books

MUMBAI: The joy of reading a physical book — the weight of it in your hands, the rustle of pages turning — is an experience that must not be allowed to fade away, Maharashtra Governor said on Monday.

Speaking at an event in Mumbai, the Governor expressed concern that in an era dominated by screens and digital content, the simple pleasure of reading conventional books risks being overshadowed. The Governor's remarks come as part of a broader push to keep traditional reading habits alive among younger generations.

A Call to Preserve a Timeless Habit

The Governor urged educators, parents, and policymakers to actively encourage children and young adults to pick up physical books. "The joy of reading conventional books should not be allowed to be lost," the Governor said, emphasizing that the tactile experience of a book offers something that digital formats cannot replicate.

While acknowledging the convenience of e-readers and online resources, the Governor stressed that there is an intrinsic value in the printed word. Books, the Governor noted, offer a respite from the constant interruptions of notifications and the fleeting nature of online content.

Why Physical Books Matter

Reading a physical book requires a different kind of attention. It invites the reader to slow down, to linger on a passage, to feel the progress of pages read. This immersive quality, the Governor suggested, is vital for deep thinking and reflection — skills that are increasingly rare in a fast-paced digital world.

The Governor also pointed to the role of libraries and book fairs in fostering a culture of reading. Such institutions, the Governor said, must be supported and revitalised to serve as community hubs where the love for books can be nurtured.

A Broader Conversation on Literacy

The Governor's comments add to an ongoing national conversation about literacy and reading habits in India. While digital access has expanded rapidly, there is a growing recognition that the benefits of traditional reading — improved concentration, better comprehension, and a deeper emotional connection to stories — are worth preserving.

Educators have often noted that students who read regularly from physical books tend to develop stronger vocabulary and critical thinking skills. The Governor's appeal aligns with these observations, framing the issue not just as nostalgia but as a practical necessity.

What Can Be Done

The Governor called for a collective effort to make books more accessible. This includes supporting local bookstores, organising reading drives, and integrating dedicated reading time in school curricula. Parents, too, were urged to model reading behaviour at home, setting aside time to read with their children.

While the digital shift is unlikely to reverse, the Governor's message is clear: the joy of reading a conventional book is a cultural asset that should be cherished and passed on. The challenge lies in striking a balance — embracing technology without letting go of the timeless pleasure of a good book.

Moving forward, it remains to be seen how the state government and educational institutions will translate this call into concrete action. The Governor's words, however, serve as a timely reminder that some joys are too precious to be lost to progress.