Staff REPORTER
ITANAGAR, Jun 19: The Department of Public Libraries, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, observed National Reading Day at the State Central Library here on Friday with the theme "Read and Grow," organizing a series of activities aimed at promoting reading habits among students.
The programme also marked the launch of the National Reading Month 2026 celebration.
Secretary, Cooperation Mito Dirchi attended the programme as the chief guest and encouraged students to cultivate a strong reading habit.
Addressing the gathering, Dirchi advised students to stay away from excessive use of social media and instead focus on reading books and acquiring knowledge. He urged students to make productive use of their summer vacation by reading at least one good book and spending more time with books rather than screens.
He also noted that access to books has become easier with the availability of online purchasing platforms.
Secretary, Public Libraries Mamata Riba highlighted the importance of reading in shaping informed, thoughtful and responsible citizens. She said knowledge is one of the greatest assets a person can possess and encouraged students to develop reading habits beyond their academic textbooks.
Riba also urged students to make regular visits to libraries and explore a wider range of books to broaden their understanding and perspective.
As part of the observance, an essay-writing competition on the topic “Importance of Library in Digital World” was organized among students from various schools across the Itanagar Capital Region. Around 60 students from six schools participated in the competition.
The winners were felicitated with cash prizes, trophies and certificates by the chief guest. Papu Nangnu (Class IX) of Ramakrishna Public School secured first position, while Nabam Renia (Class VIII), also from Ramakrishna Public School, finished second. Liagy Mary (Class IX) of Delhi Public School, Itanagar bagged the third position.
Earlier in the morning, library officials and school students took the Reading Day Pledge as part of the National Reading Day observance, reaffirming their commitment to promoting reading habits and lifelong learning.
Director of Public Libraries Y R Ete, Under Secretary (Public Libraries) Joram Nagu, along with other departmental officers, staff members, teachers and students, attended the event.
The programme concluded with a renewed call to nurture a culture of reading and lifelong learning among the younger generation.