Maharashtra’s New Reading Initiative Aims to Encourage Students to Read Beyond Their Syllabus

Pune, 23rd December 2024: The state government is launching the ‘Reading Resolution Maharashtra’ initiative from January 1 to 15 to encourage students to rekindle their interest in reading, especially those who have distanced themselves from books in recent years. The initiative will feature various activities such as group reading, reading dialogues, reading skill workshops, book reviews, and narration competitions.

A government decision issued by the Higher and Technical Education Department outlines the guidelines and procedures for the initiative. The program is aimed at students in higher education institutions across Maharashtra. Participants are required to read any book outside of their academic syllabus and submit a minimum 500-word review or deliver a five-minute presentation on it. Colleges are expected to curate lists of recommended books and ensure they are accessible to students. The best reviews will be featured in the annual college publication, and winners of the competitions will receive prizes on January 26.

In preparation for the initiative, committees at the state, department, district, and college levels will be formed. Colleges and public libraries are also encouraged to organize book exhibitions during the “Reading Fortnight,” and libraries are urged to register more students as members.

Dr. Shailendra Devlankar, Director of Higher Education, informed that the initiative has garnered participation from over 6,000 colleges, 83 universities, and approximately 12,500 libraries across the state. Students from both urban and rural areas are invited to take part. The goal is for students to read a book within 15 days, submit a review, or present their findings. The top three students from each division of the state will be selected, and these 30 students will receive guidance from notable figures in education.

Dr Devlankar emphasized the distinction between this new initiative and the existing Reading Inspiration Day held on October 15 each year. While the former involves broader reading activities, the ‘Reading Resolution Maharashtra’ initiative is specifically focused on students and is expected to set a new benchmark for reading initiatives in the state.