Today, June 19, we commemorate National Reading Day, a tribute to the enduring legacy of Puthuvayil Narayana Panicker, revered as the "Father of India's Library Movement." His unwavering commitment to literacy and education transformed Kerala into a beacon of reading culture, inspiring generations across the nation.
In 1945, Panicker established the Kerala Granthasala Sangham, initiating a grassroots library movement that expanded from 47 rural libraries to over 6,000 by 1956. His visionary efforts earned international acclaim, culminating in the UNESCO Krupsakaya Award in 1975. To further his mission, he founded the Kerala Association for Non-Formal Education and Development (KANFED), instrumental in achieving Kerala's remarkable literacy rate.
As a librarian, I invite everyone to embrace the spirit of this day:
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Read and Reflect: Dedicate time to reading a book that inspires or challenges you.
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Share the Joy: Discuss your favorite reads with friends and family, fostering a community of readers.
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Support Libraries: Visit your local library, participate in reading programs, or consider donating books to promote literacy.
Let us honor P.N. Panicker's legacy by nurturing a culture of reading, recognizing its power to enlighten minds and transform lives.
Happy National Reading Day!
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