Temsu Aier, Mokokchung
Reading is essential for every individual who wants to learn depth and detailed knowledge. Everyone may have different choice of their reading but the art of reading remains same to all. In simple words, we can define reading as a multifaceted process involving word recognition, comprehension, fluency and motivation. The art of reading is important as it leads to deeper understanding of things. When we read, we exercise our comprehension and analytical abilities. It helps in recalling our information as well as stabilize our emotions. Thus, the advantage of reading is not only furthering enriched in knowledge but also help in overall development of an individual besides reducing mental stress. Reading will help you fabricate new ideas and innovations that is beneficial for the growth of the society. Thus, I’m of the opinion that the weightage of advantage is much more than the snag or downside of reading which of course consumes a lot of time.
There is a need of urgency to restore or resuscitate the reading custom in Nagaland.With the advent of modern technologies, Naga people have become too dependent on internet to know even a slight thing which might be erroneous sometimes. Today, the internet has been bombarded by many vague information as the sources uploaded there were perhaps, from a collection of materials written by unknown authors. Henceforth, I strongly affirm that, when it comes to learning, it is always good on our part to take trouble by ourselves in reading some books stored in the public libraries or book stalls. In that way, we can get accurate information and even enhance our thinking and reasoning skills besides ameliorating our vocabulary. I’m in no way defaming the modern technological assets but in everything we do, there must be a limitation for our own good and when it comes to reading, I don’t see any better viable option than reading from our own book.
Now that we are conscious of the benefits that we get from reading, I would like to urge everyone to inculcate the habit of reading from books instead of relying on the information that we get on the websites that may not be accurate sometimes. I’ve seen people initiating community libraries in Nagaland, for which I would like to give a big applause and that many such things ought to be done in order to preserve the dying reading culture not only for our benefits but also for our future generations. Here, the Government of Nagaland, especially the Education Department and NGOs and student bodies have a role to play. A separate budget can be made to establish many such libraries with good infrastructure and updated or standard materials along with accessibility to wi-fi, toiletries and other basic accessories. However,in spite of all these aspirations, it is our duty to go and make use of those already available at our hand. Therefore, I would like to sum up this short passage by saying that, it is our collective responsibility to preserve and restore the dwindling reading culture of Nagaland.