KHONSA : The New Age Learning Centre (NALC), District Library, Khonsa, observed National Reading Month with an awareness programme aimed at promoting reading habits and fostering a culture of lifelong learning among students and the public.

Students of Government Town Secondary School (GTSS), Khonsa, library readers and District Library staff participated in the programme.

Addressing the gathering, Khonsa District Library and Information Officer Chaphun Sumnyan highlighted the contributions of P N Panicker, the pioneer of the library movement in Kerala and a leading advocate of the reading movement in India. She stressed the importance of cultivating reading habits to enhance knowledge, critical thinking and creativity, adding that books remain an invaluable source of education and personal development even in the digital age.

As part of the month-long observance, the District Library also organised a reading-cum-extempore competition for students to encourage reading and strengthen literary appreciation. Participants presented their understanding of various books through oral presentations, showcasing their communication skills and interest in literature.

The winners of the competition were Kaipho Pansa (first), Kimong Longsey (second) and Anon Wangsu (third). The winners were felicitated with prizes in recognition of their literary interpretation and presentation skills, while all participating students of Government Town Secondary School received book sets to encourage them to continue reading.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, reaffirming the District Library’s commitment to promoting reading habits and highlighting the role of libraries in building an informed, knowledgeable and progressive society. (DIPR)