One of the perks of being an educator is that you are constantly surrounded by the vibrancy of youth. I absolutely marvel at the energy, gusto, positivity, creativity, and mirth they bring into our life. However, amidst my admiration and optimism for our new generation, lies a gnawing apprehension. I notice, that today, shorter attention spans, fleeting interests, and an incessant search for novel excitement has made our children seek refuge in the realm of reels rather than reading! Reading seems to be relegated to the tedium of an academic necessity. Most children are reading only what is prescribed by the syllabus. The norm of reading for pleasure has gotten submerged by a world driven by instant gratification and adrenaline pumping virtual games.

We at DPS MIHAN and DPS Kamptee road, realised the need to reinvite books into our lives … and we needed to do that organically so that it did not become a chore but a celebration, and eventually a way of life…. like exercise and good nutrition…. it had to become a lifestyle, a habit, even a gainful addiction…if I may say so!

At Delhi Public School, we believe in the adage, “catch them young”! Reading is introduced as a fun filled activity from the minute our toddlers enter school. For our pre-schoolers, we have a set of touch and feel books, pop up books, and even waterproof bath books that they can carry with them while they waddle in the pool. Voila! Reading gets associated with fun and leisure. Our unique Pool Bash events are looked forward to eagerly by all our children. The environment is enticing, curiosity is stoked, and imagination is kindled. Reading is set to become a lifestyle!

We hold flash events called D.E.A.R TIME or ‘Drop Everything And Read Time’ where the entire school – principal and teachers included, drop whatever it is that they are doing, take a book and start reading. Apart from the thrill this exercise ushers in, it brings home the need to prioritize reading.

We have dedicated Reading Corners and nooks that are ergonomically designed to provide comfort, discipline, and calm that is conducive to an immersive reading experience. I believe this has impacted our children to such a degree that many have reportedly urged their parents to create similar reading corners in their homes! I am humbled when such endeavours have such far and wide outreach.

Our 20,000 plus and ever-expanding school library is our altar. It houses carefully chosen books on diverse subjects. I firmly believe that providing a bountiful library may suffice for a natural reader but there are some unsure little ones for whom it can prove quite overwhelming. The diffident seeker needs a little direction or a slight nudge.

Our approachable, enthusiastic and non-judgmental librarians ensure that each student feels welcomed into the library and not intimidated; they remain unobtrusive but available. Students are assured that they can always bank on our librarians for a consultation. Once their initial hesitancy evaporates, it delights me to see my children stride purposefully, choose wisely, and engage animatedly with each other, and the faculty over a book that has moved them. I am assured that reading has left its indelible mark when I see them argue their debates with flourish, bring home medals in oratory, get felicitated all over the world at MUN, and participate actively in literary events.

Literary Odyssey, our literary fest, is an exciting and extravagant fare for the bibliophile in me. It provides a forum for exchange, a stage to witness literary gatherings, and competitions to hone literary acumen.

Our Reading Club has its enthusiasts in both faculty and students alike. Discussions, diverse points of view, analyses, and building a reading community, are some of its perks. I believe every writer is a voracious reader, and it pleases me no end to see budding authors amongst our students. I am delighted to say that several have been published by BriBooks. These books, authored by our students, are always given a spotlight in our book alcoves and libraries. I am certain they also inspire other aspiring writers to yield the pen.

All these accolades are certainly laudable. But you know what gets me all misty eyed and unabashedly proud … it is when I see our students think deeply, behave respectfully, deal sensitively and tolerantly with the world around. Reading, does that to you doesn’t it! It helps sculpt a better version of yourself, and I am heartened that we at DPS, provide our students the chisel to do so.