Books have played a significant role in the evolution of human life and the nation's progress. They have been our source of learning across various subjects, including religion, music, literature, and science, for centuries. Books are an integral part of our rich heritage. Today, I feel deeply saddened by the diminishing presence of books in our social lives. I recall my school and college days when, during exams, we would read books on our rooftops to escape the distractions indoors, finding that the fresh air enhanced our focus. However, in today's world, where everyone from children to the elderly has access to the internet and smartphones, the digital and technological revolution has overshadowed books. Libraries have become scarce, not just in Delhi but in other cities as well. It's crucial to reflect on why our connection with books has weakened and to address this issue.
Reflect on the period during the Corona pandemic when individuals were restricted to their homes. Social interactions were halted, and smartphones bridged the gap, becoming essential and habitual without us realizing it. Previously, memorizing lengthy questions or chapters from textbooks or literature took several days, but practice accelerated our learning. Books connected us to study routines, but as the digital age emerged, our patience waned. People gravitated towards films, which initially lasted two and a half to three hours, but soon shortened to one and a half to two hours, leading the youth away from real life and onto platforms like YouTube. Now, even YouTube has lost its appeal, with young people spending much of their day on reels. This digital entertainment trend has evolved into memes, offering brief moments of laughter for everyone, from children to the elderly, while books have been sidelined. Time is squandered on video watching and chatting, yet books are the source of knowledge that earns respect and builds careers. Despite the digital transformation of life, books should not be forgotten. They provide the enduring success known as a long innings, and the knowledge they impart allows you to excel. the competition, then the importance of this knowledge is known.
I believe it's the responsibility of parents to keep children engaged with books. While reading school books and preparing for exams is important, much of this is now happening online. I'm not saying technology is bad, but the significance of books should not be overlooked. Books are essential for our behavior and success, providing us with humanity and sensitivity. The works of authors like Tulsi, Kabir, Rahim, Maithilisharan Gupta, Dayashankar Prasad, and Rabindranath Tagore enrich our lives. Unfortunately, literature books are becoming less common. It saddens me to hear and feel the growing disconnect from books in various discussions. Consider these lines-
पुस्तकों से मिलता है ज्ञान
फिर बढ़ता है आपका सम्मान
The things we learned from books during our childhood, whether they were multiplication tables or other formulas, remain with us because of those books. Reading literature is more beneficial than getting a quick laugh from YouTube, reels, or memes, as it boosts your morale. If readers consider reading social, religious, or literature-related books even twice a month, it can lead to mental growth. Personally, I read social and religious books twice a week and engage in discussions about them. These books offer patience and knowledge. Let's read them to entertain ourselves in a light-hearted way while expanding our knowledge.