VP Releases Book on P N Panicker, Urges Revival of Reading Culture
C.P. Radhakrishnan warns declining reading habits may weaken critical thinking in society
- Vice-President releases book on library movement pioneer P.N. Panicker
- C.P. Radhakrishnan calls for revival of reading culture among youth
- Vice-President raises concern over excessive social media dependence
- Libraries urged to evolve into modern knowledge and creativity hubs
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 22nd May: C. P. Radhakrishnan, Vice-President of India, on Friday called for a revival of reading culture and warned that societies which stop reading gradually lose their ability to think deeply and critically.
The Vice-President made the remarks while releasing the book The Library Man of India: The Story of P.N. Panicker, authored by P. P. Sathyan, at Uprashtrapati Bhavan.
Paying tribute to P. N. Panicker, Radhakrishnan described him as a visionary who transformed millions of lives through the power of books and knowledge.
The Vice-President said Panicker believed access to knowledge should not remain limited by caste, class, poverty or geography.
Recalling Panicker’s humble beginnings in Kuttanad, he said the social reformer recognised early that illiteracy was not merely the inability to read but also a barrier to dignity and opportunity.
Radhakrishnan highlighted Panicker’s role in shaping Kerala’s library and literacy movement, which began with a modest reading room known as the Sanatana Dharma Library.
He said Panicker travelled extensively across villages and tribal regions carrying the message “Read and Grow” to inspire communities and volunteers.
Describing Panicker as the “Father of Kerala’s Cultural Renaissance”, the Vice-President said he viewed knowledge as a force for social awakening and empowerment.
The Vice-President also referred to India’s ancient centres of learning such as Nalanda University and Takshashila, saying libraries have historically played a major role in intellectual advancement.
Expressing concern over declining reading habits among young people, he said increasing dependence on mobile phones, social media and short-form entertainment is weakening patience, concentration and thoughtful engagement with literature.
“A society that stops reading gradually loses its ability to think critically, imagine creatively and understand deeply,” the Vice-President said.
He added that books such as The Library Man of India can help revive habits of reading and reflection among younger generations.
Radhakrishnan also praised the work of the P. N. Panicker Foundation under the leadership of N. Balagopal for promoting reading and learning initiatives.
The Vice-President highlighted several government initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s knowledge ecosystem, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming libraries into centres of creativity.
He also appreciated programmes such as “One Nation, One Subscription” and the Gyan Bharatam Mission for expanding access to scholarly resources and preserving India’s manuscript heritage.
Concluding his address, the Vice-President said Panicker’s true achievement lay not merely in building libraries but in building hope, awareness and confidence among ordinary citizens.
Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism Suresh Gopi and former Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P. J. Kurien were among those present at the event.
