KOZHIKODE: People are becoming less responsive to various social issues due to the lack of in-depth reading, writer U. A. Khader says. "They are not bothered to think deep and to analyse things rationally." He was inaugurating the National Book Week celebrations organised by Sahitya Akademi at Police Club here Monday. “The visual sense and the ability to think have been converted to a different level," he said. "When we hear an elephant kills somebody, we are eager to see the visuals rather than thinking about factors that led to it. The mind has been smeared by the ink which makes us unable to think normally and intelligently.” The 81-year-old Rangoon-born author of 50 books said due to the lack of discussions and the lack of urge to read good books had led to this situation.
“During olden days, there were serious discussions and debates on novels, stories, etc. They helped each one of the participants to get a better idea about the world, and it also acted as a link between generations," he added. “These days, the new generation is turning their back on such discussions which in turn led to degradation in the cultural identity.” Sahitya Akademi Malayalam advisory board member Anil Vallathol delivered the keynote address. An exhibition of books published by the Sahitya Akademi also opened along with the week-long programme, which includes documentary screenings, poets' meet, short story reading and panel discussions.
