National Reading Month Celebrated with Diverse Literary Activities in Lower Siang

Itanagar, India Jul 19, 2026 ALN: NARI-KOYU, 18 Jul: A wide range of literary and educational activities were organised in schools across Nari and Koyu circles of Lower Siang district during the National Reading Month 2026, which concluded on Saturday. This initiative is part of a broader national effort to promote reading and literacy among students, and it aims to instill a love for books and learning at an early age.

The events included reading sessions, library orientation programmes, essay-writing, short story writing, poetry, quiz competitions, extempore speech, dramatic presentations, and other creative literary activities designed to enhance students’ reading, communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Such activities not only engage students but also encourage them to explore various genres of literature, thereby broadening their horizons and enhancing their understanding of the world.

Addressing the students during the closing ceremony at GHSS, Nari, APCS officer Marge Sora highlighted the importance of cultivating the reading habit and encouraged them to view books as lifelong companions for learning, personal growth, and leadership. Sora, also an alumnus of GHSS, Nari, advised students to pursue excellence through discipline, curiosity, and continuous reading. This emphasis on discipline and curiosity is crucial; it aligns with educational theories that suggest that a growth mindset can significantly impact students' academic performance and personal development.

To mark the closing ceremony, essay-writing and extempore speech competitions were organised, where students from GHSS Nari, GHSS Telam, and other educational institutions participated. These competitions fostered a spirit of healthy competition among students and provided them with a platform to express their thoughts and ideas creatively. The ability to articulate thoughts clearly is a vital skill that transcends academic settings and is invaluable in professional environments.

Winners of various competitions held during the month were felicitated in both junior and senior categories. Awards were presented for quiz, short story writing, essay writing, and extempore speech competitions. The winners received motivational books, story books, autobiographies, encyclopaedias, certificates, and cash awards as tokens of encouragement. Such recognition not only boosts the confidence of the winners but also serves as an inspiration for other students to engage actively in literary pursuits.

Tater Gadi, Principal (i/c) of GHSS Nari, expressed gratitude to NE-HEALS, and described the initiative as a first-of-its-kind in Lower Siang district, noting that it created a vibrant culture of reading and learning among students. The principal's acknowledgment of the collaborative effort underscores the importance of community involvement in educational initiatives. When schools, local governments, and non-profit organizations work together, they can create more impactful programs that benefit students and the community as a whole.

He also appreciated the dedicated efforts of all participating schools, teachers, volunteers, and organisers in making the campaign a grand success. The involvement of various stakeholders is essential for the sustainability of such initiatives, as it fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards promoting education and literacy.

A similar concluding programme was also organised in Koyu, where Assistant Commissioner Dr Marngam Kakki encouraged students to continue reading beyond the campaign, saying that strong reading habits form the foundation of academic achievement, informed citizenship, and professional success. This statement highlights the long-term benefits of reading, which extends beyond immediate academic performance to influence various aspects of life, including civic engagement and career opportunities.

Students and teachers from the participating schools echoed similar sentiments, stating that the month-long series of literary activities had enriched their learning experience, enhanced their confidence and communication skills, and would have a lasting positive impact on their academic and personal development. The feedback from students and teachers is a testament to the effectiveness of the programme and the positive changes it brought about in their approach to learning.

The campaign, which was launched on 19 June, was organised by the North East Foundation for Health Education and Livelihood Skills with the support of the Nari subdivisional administration to promote reading habits, strengthen library culture, and encourage lifelong learning among students. This initiative aligns with national educational policies that emphasize the importance of reading and literacy as foundational skills for all students, and it reflects a growing recognition of the need to foster a culture of reading in schools.

In Namsai, the closing function of the National Reading Month was held at the district library on Saturday. This event further exemplifies the collaborative efforts between educational institutions and public libraries to promote literacy. The role of libraries in fostering a reading culture cannot be overstated, as they provide access to a wealth of resources that can support students' learning and development.

On the occasion, floral tributes were paid to the portrait of PN Panicker, the father of the library movement in India. This homage underscores the importance of historical figures in the promotion of literacy and education, reminding attendees of the ongoing legacy of efforts to make books and learning accessible to all.

Padma Shri awardee Satyanarayanan Mundayoor, fondly called ‘Uncle Moosa’, stressed the importance of reading, saying, “If the child cannot reach the book, the book must reach the children.” This quote encapsulates the essence of literacy initiatives, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to ensure that books are available to children, regardless of their circumstances. It highlights the responsibility of educators and community leaders to create an environment where reading is not just encouraged but made accessible.

Namsai ZPC Chow Sujana Namchoom said such programmes help in building character and personality, and advised students to put the values they learn into practice. He also advised students to avail themselves of the facilities at the district library. This statement reflects a broader understanding of education as not just the acquisition of knowledge, but also the development of character and ethical values.

Namsai DC CR Khampa presented a brief on the literary activities conducted during the month-long campaign, saying that such activities are essential to create an environment where knowledge and intellect will lead in the coming days. The emphasis on creating an environment conducive to learning is critical, as it acknowledges that education is not just about formal instruction but also about fostering a culture of inquiry and exploration.

Retired IAS officer Tape Bagra highlighted the values of education, perseverance, and discipline. He advised students to channelise their energy positively, while making reading, writing, and discussion a daily habit. This advice aligns with educational research that suggests that consistent practice and engagement in reading and writing can significantly enhance literacy skills and academic performance.

Namsai ADC NK Namchoom urged students to imbibe the habit of reading, and to follow the advice and guidance shared by the dignitaries. This call to action reinforces the idea that the responsibility for fostering a reading culture does not rest solely on educators, but also on students and their families.

DPO Dr K Sharma spoke on the importance of time management and its crucial role in personal development. Time management is a vital skill that can significantly influence students' academic success and overall well-being, and integrating this concept into literacy initiatives can help students develop a more holistic approach to their education.

Winners of district-level literary events organised by the district library were felicitated. (With DIPRO input) This recognition of achievement serves to motivate students and encourages continued participation in literary activities, reinforcing the idea that hard work and dedication can lead to success in various forms.