June 19 has a significance in the realm of literacy in India. It is celebrated as National Reading Day in honour of Puthuvayil Narayana Panicker, a renowned teacher, revered as the father of library movement in Kerala. Panicker died on June 19, 1995. For the first time, the Kerala Reading Day was celebrated on his death anniversary in 1996, to pay tributes to the legend. Since then, the Kerala Reading Day is celebrated on June 19 every year. In 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared June 19 as the National Reading DAy
In 1926, Panicker founded his first library, Sanadana Dalman Library, in in his hometown. In 1945, he led the Travancore Library Association through Thiruvithaamkoor Granthasala Sangham, which comprised 47 local libraries. These libraries were established to promote reading habit among people. With the slogan of "Read and Grow," the Sangham tried to emphasise the importance of books in life.
In 1956, the state of Kerala was founded and the Travancore Association became Kerala Granthsala Sangham (SGS). Panicker put in efforts to bring in nearly 6,000 libraries into the Sangham's network.
In 1975, the SGS received the prestigious UNESCO Krupsakaya Award. In 1977, the SGS was taken over by the state government and it became the Kerala State Library Council.
Then Panicker decided to establish the Kerala Association for Non-Formal Education and Development (KANFED) in Kerala which led to the launch of a mission to improve literacy in Kerala, specially in the rural areas.
Books are considered treasure houses of knowledge. Reading books, either offline or online, alone can empower individuals and widen their horizons. In fact, books are windows to the world helping us know about traditions and beliefs even in far-off places.
Here is a list of books that can engage young minds and change their perspective about human life.
1. Fountainhead
2. To kill a mocking bird
3. The Night Train at Deoli
4. Malgudi Days
5. Harry Potter series
6. Haroun and the Sea of Stories
7. The animal farm
8. Oliver Twist
9. King Lear
10. The Kite Runner
Begin reading and experience joy in the new world.
