Joy of Reading Festival concludes at Roing 

A Correspondent

Roing : The Joy of Reading Festival in Roing organized by the Lower Dibang Valley district administration to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and supported by the Gandhi Smriti & Darshan Samiti, and the ICDS department concluded leaving behind warm and rich memories for book lovers of all age groups.

It was inaugurated on November 4 by eminent educationist and “grandmother of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs)” in India, Prof Vimala Ramachandran.

The weeklong festival which highlighted the themes ‘Joy of Reading’ and ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ included lectures and interactions by Prof Vimala Ramachandran and eminent Gandhian scholar from Assam, Dr Alaka Sarma as well as a range of book activities, contests and book exhibitions.

On special display was the Gandhi biography in 5 Arunachal languages Adi, Apatani, Mishmi, Nyshi and Nocte by Tulika Books.

Speaking on the day, Professor Vimala Ramachandran shared her vast experiences of educational innovations across India and South East Asia and elaborated on the little known GOI document on “Positive Discipline’, which is today adopted by many reputed schools.

She outlined the origin of KGBV schools in India. Describing the sterling contribution of the Mahila Shikshan Kendras in 1980s and 90s to help the rural adolescent girls of north and central India to break free from the fetters of illiteracy, stagnant traditions and unjust customs, she explained how KGBV is not just a school, but a model of total education for marginalised deprived adolescent girls.

Addressing women activists, SHG members and ICDS personnel, Prof Ramachandran exhorted the anganwadi workers and SHG members to imbibe reading habits to acquire latest ideas in early childhood education, and help mould a new generation of a learning society in Arunachal.

She also appealed to the officers of the State administration to proactively contribute their energies to bring social and educational advancement of the rural Arunachali women.

Addressing a packed audience of senior students and teachers of Roing schools, she answered several questions on Gandhian philosophy and how it can enrich a young Indian’s life.

The Joy of Reading Festival brought ample opportunities to the people of Roing, Korunu, Jia, Bolung and Dambuk town to partake a feast of books through a 5-day Mobile book exhibition supported by Ashok Leyland, Guwahati, side by side with a permanent exhibition in Roing town.

The festival also saw the return of an NBT Book Exhibition to Dibang Valley, after nearly 2 decades, along with other reputed publishers.

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