Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday expressed concern over the declining reading habits among youngsters and called for a revival of the culture of reading and deep learning in society.
Releasing the book The Library Man of India: The Story of P.N. Panicker authored by P. P. Sathyan at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, the Vice President paid tribute to P. N. Panicker, describing him as a visionary who transformed millions of lives through the power of books and knowledge.
He said Panicker believed that knowledge should not remain limited to a privileged few and worked tirelessly to make education and reading accessible to all sections of society, irrespective of caste, class or geography. Recalling Panicker’s efforts in launching Kerala’s library and literacy movement, the Vice President said a small reading room initiative later grew into a social and intellectual movement across the state.
Highlighting India’s rich legacy of learning centres such as Nalanda and Takshashila, he said libraries must now evolve into modern hubs of creativity and knowledge in the digital era. However, he warned that excessive dependence on mobile phones, social media and short-form entertainment was weakening deep reading, patience and meaningful engagement with literature.
“A society that stops reading gradually loses its ability to think critically, imagine creatively and understand deeply,” the Vice President said, adding that books can play a major role in rebuilding thoughtful learning among younger generations.
He also praised the work of the P.N. Panicker Foundation under the leadership of N. Balagopal for continuing Panicker’s mission of promoting reading and literacy.
The Vice President highlighted several government initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s knowledge ecosystem, including the “One Nation, One Subscription” programme to improve access to international research journals and the Gyan Bharatam Mission for preserving and digitising India’s manuscript heritage.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi and former Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P. J. Kurien were among those present at the event.
