HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Sept 10: In a bid to enhance the reading habit among students and the masses, the Department of Library Services, government of Bodoland Territorial Council, has launched ‘Bodoland Reading Week’. This festival of reading began on Tuesday and will continue until September 17, 2024, across all public libraries and educational institutions within the BTR.
The Bodoland Reading Week, an initiative of the Department of Library Services, government of BTC, was ceremonially inaugurated at the District Library Complex, Dimalgaon in Kokrajhar.
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Dr Nilut Swargiary, the executive member for Information & Public Relations, PHED, Library Services, and Indigenous Faith Department, government of BTC, inaugurated the ‘Bodoland Reading Week’ amid the august presence of a large number of students and citizens.
Swargiary appealed to the students to take more interest in reading and visit public libraries whenever they have time. He said that the Government of BTC is working dedicatedly toward social development and welfare, including the upliftment of students and inculcating the habit of reading to enhance the holistic learning experience of citizens.
He said, “Reading is a gateway to expanding one’s horizons, enhancing cognitive abilities, and fostering empathy. In an age where information is abundant, the ability to critically engage with diverse perspectives through books is invaluable.”
“A brainchild of HCEM Pramod Boro, the Bodoland Reading Week, which will be held in public libraries and educational institutions across the region from September 10 to 17, 2024, aims to inculcate the habit of reading and enhance the holistic learning experience of the citizens, especially the students and youth of the Bodoland region,” Swargiary said.
Principal of Kokrajhar Girls’ College, Dr Adaram Basumatary, elaborated on how reading books contributes to becoming a well-rounded and wise individual. He stressed that books offer valuable lessons and insights that help shape one’s character and understanding of the world.
In his address, joint secretary of BTC, Ractim Buragohain, emphasised the importance of reading beyond textbooks for a bright future. “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body,” he said, underlining the role of books in intellectual and personal development. He further remarked, “Books have the power to transform lives and communities, and through this week, we aim to foster a culture of reading that will benefit future generations.”
Council head of the Department (CHD) for Information and Public Relations, Zahid Ahmed Tapadar, encouraged students to read regularly. He said, “Reading newspapers, magazines, and books regularly is like tending to a garden of the mind; it enriches our knowledge, nurtures our curiosity, and cultivates a lifelong passion for learning. Keep a diary to capture your thoughts, and share the joy of reading by gifting books, for every page turned is a step towards a brighter, more informed future.”
Librarian of Kokrajhar Girls’ College, Dr Rajib Das, advised, “Read books regularly, in any format—whether printed or online. The important thing is to make reading a consistent part of your life.”
Earlier, Sansumwi Boro, CHD of the Library Services Department, welcomed the attendees and underscored the significance of ‘Bodoland Reading Week’.
Among others, Ranjan K Baruah, advisor of Skill Employment and Entrepreneurship Department; and Bichitra Narzary, reference librarian of Library Services, were prominent attendees at the event.
