Arunachal: National Reading Day observed
ITANAGAR: The state’s Public Libraries Department celebrated the National Reading Day at the State Central Library here on Friday with the theme ‘Read and Grow’.
It organised a series of activities aimed at promoting the reading habit among students.
The programme also marked the launch of the National Reading Month 2026 celebration.
Addressing the gathering, Cooperation SecretaryMito Dirchi encouraged students to cultivate a strong reading habit. 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.
Public Libraries Secretary 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 the reading habit 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 organised 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. Papu Nangnu (Class 9) of Ramakrishna Public School secured the first position, while Nabam Renia (Class 8), also from Ramakrishna Public School, stood second, and Liagy Mary (Class 9) of Delhi Public School Itanagar bagged the third position.
Earlier in the morning, library officials and school students took the Reading Day pledge, reaffirming their commitment to promoting the reading habit and lifelong learning.
Public Libraries Director YR Ete and Public Libraries Undersecretary 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.
