The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has celebrated the 25th National Reading Day on June 19, 2020. The day was first celebrated in 1996. The purpose of the day is to honour the father of the Library Movement in Kerala, Late P.N. Panicker on his death anniversary.
Being a month-long celebration it shall last from June 19 to July 20. This year, due the pandemic, there will be an online celebration.
P.N. Panicker was born at Neelamperoor on March 1,1901. He was a teacher in his hometown and then later on started Sanadanadharmam Library in 1926. Being the head of the cultural movement regarding reading in Kerala, he gained popularity. And further movement became more intense.
According to him, reading was the most essential element for the proper development of the country. The slogan of the P.N. foundation was “read and grow”. It symbolises the importance of reading in his opinion.
The foundation has laid down the online reading activities for this year on it’s official website. These activities include digital library, webinar on the importance of reading, digital reading pledge and so on.
The Foundation has suggested quiz, open art, essay writing and debate competitions for students. It has also organized a quiz and video book competition for the teachers, faculty members, and librarians.
The Government of India has also celebrated the legacy of Panicker by issuing a commemorative postage stamp in his name on June 21, 2004.
To participate in the reading day activities you can check the official website of P.N. Panicker foundation.
