Governor calls for efforts to cultivate reading habit among children

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Sunday called for efforts to cultivate reading habits among children.
“Books have to be there, books are to be published in abundant numbers, but at the same time we have to create readership,” he said at the fifth edition of the Western Ghats Lit Fest 2026, organised by The Verandah Club in Coimbatore city.
Recounting his interactions with school students in Himachal Pradesh, Mr. Arlekar said some cited Physics and Geography textbooks when asked whether they read books.
He also recalled that teachers at a school in Shimla were unaware of a book exhibition in the city, highlighting the need to encourage reading beyond the curriculum.
He urged literary festivals to produce tangible outcomes rather than remain platforms for intellectual discussions.
Referring to the cultural, linguistic, literary and ecological links between different parts of the country, Mr. Arlekar said these connections formed the basis of a united Bharat, and stressed on the need to preserve and rejuvenate these bonds.
He cited the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and historical links between Maharashtra and Thanjavur as examples of the country’s inter-connected heritage.
The Governor launched Vidura’s Wisdom: Indic Leadership Principles for Modern Leaders, authored by Dr. Matrushree Ananthalakshmi, Swami Agastyananda Giri and Nigamanth Srivatsan of the Anaadi Foundation.