They say the earlier the children are encouraged to read, the easier it is for them to study. In order to inculcate this precious habit of reading, especially among students, schools run by the Government in Nawanshahr district, held the novel “library langar”.

The langar was organised at the premises of these schools, while the teachers took up the role of distributing the books. They went door-to-door to give these books to the students.

According to the available information, nearly 40,000 books were distributed among the students. Talking to the media, the District Education Officer (Secondary), Jagjit Singh said, their objective was to reach out to as many students as possible. He stated that the aim was to promote reading among kids and for that books of their choice were given to them.

Talking to Tribune News Service, Amrik Singh, the Deputy DEO ( Secondary) said: “The initiative holds more importance as students are stuck at their homes in the wake of the pandemic. Thus, it will help in engaging them productively without exposure to screens.”

In order to ensure that the maximum number of people were aware of this langar, vigorous poster campaigns via social media platforms were carried out. Besides this, using gurudwaras, both parents and children were informed about this mega event.

The books on display were from a varied range of subjects and topics. These books attracted not just students but also parents in large numbers. Teachers were happy as there was an overwhelming response received from students, their parents and local residents.

On seeing this positive feedback, teachers said they were keen to make this initiative a regular feature, thereby encouraging as well as sustaining the habit of reading among children.

Going beyond merely handing over the books, the teachers on seeing the enthusiasm of students in the event, have asked the children to write reviews of the books they picked for reading. This was shared by Surinder Pal Agnihotri, in charge, Zila Sikhiya Sudhar Team, Nawanshahr.