Response to State Central Library’s Reading Culture Initiatives

Workshops Held with Enthusiasm Under ‘Reading Pledge of Maharashtra’

Mumbai : To promote the culture of reading, the Higher and Technical Education Department is implementing the initiative ‘Reading Pledge of Maharashtra’ across the state.

As part of this initiative, the State Central Library, Mumbai, under the Directorate of Libraries, organized various activities for students, including group reading sessions, book exhibitions, reading skill workshops, book reviews, storytelling sessions, and career guidance programs.

Present at the event were Library Director Ashok Gadekar, Deputy Library Director Shri Kakad, teachers from Young Ladies High School, including Usha Verma, Sujata Mahajan, and Varsha Shinde, along with a large number of students and readers.

Librarian Shalini Ingole welcomed all dignitaries and students by presenting books. Shri Gadekar inaugurated the workshop, highlighted the importance of reading, and extended best wishes for the event.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Shyamkumar P. Deshmukh from Dayanand Arts and Science College, Solapur, provided insightful guidance. He elaborated on the definition of reading, its benefits, what to read, and various reading methods. He explained how reading enhances mental strength, comprehension abilities, and intellectual levels. The fundamental aspects of reading were also discussed.

Prof. Deshmukh emphasized that reading involves four levels, each leading to a transformation in one’s intellectual level. He encouraged attendees to develop a habit of daily reading, recommending at least 20 minutes of reading on topics of personal interest as a self-imposed commitment.

District Library Officer Yogesh Birje from the State Central Library, Mumbai, delivered the opening remarks and expressed gratitude to all participants.