– Fareena Hussaini
Margao, Goa
Last year, the Oxford ‘Word of the Year 2024’ was “brain rot”, a phrase capturing the growing impact of mindless, low-value content on young minds. It signals a worrying trend of shrinking attention spans and weakened thinking skills among the youth. If anything, this should serve as a wakeup call for society.
Today, children are seen more often with gadgets than with books. The art of reading, once central to building imagination, discipline and deep understanding, is slowly disappearing. Libraries that once buzzed with curiosity now remain quiet. Students read only what the syllabus requires, driven more by marks than interest. A survey today would reveal how rare it has become for children or adults to read purely for pleasure. This cultural shift is evident in how the younger generation thinks, behaves and processes information.
Despite knowing the ill effects of screen overuse, many of us remain glued to our phones till late in the night. In a fast-paced digital world, reading is more essential than ever. It sharpens clarity of thought, improves concentration and allows the mind to slow down and reflect. Reading exercises the brain, strengthens neural pathways and enhances memory and problem-solving skills. Unlike passive scrolling, it demands imagination, focus and engagement.
Books also offer an emotional refuge. Studies show that reading can reduce stress levels significantly by easing racing thoughts and creating a sense of calm. Through stories readers learn to understand different perspectives and emotions. Fiction nurtures empathy while non-fiction supports self-development and broadens awareness. Books make us more connected to ourselves and to the world around us.
For children, reading remains fundamental. It builds strong language pathways, expands vocabulary and develops critical thinking. Students who have books at home are more likely to score higher on tests, according to a study of readers from 42 countries. It doesn’t matter how many books you have, but each additional book helps children perform better in school. These benefits cannot be replaced by the fast-fragmented information consumed on screens.
However, one of the biggest obstacles today is distraction. With constant notifications and endless entertainment, focusing on a book has become difficult. A simple yet effective habit is to keep devices aside while reading. Even half an hour of nightly reading can revive the joy and discipline of deep reading.
Parents and adults also play a critical role. When children observe elders reading physical books curiosity grows naturally. While schools provide academic knowledge, they cannot teach every life skill. Learning must continue beyond the classroom and reading is one of the most powerful tools for lifelong learning. It helps individuals stay informed, think independently and resist misinformation.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s powerful words, “Learning gives creativity, creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge and knowledge makes you great,” remind us that reading is one of the simplest and strongest ways to begin this journey of learning.
In an age overwhelmed by digital noise, reading is no longer just a hobby, it is a necessity. While we believe that technology has its place in education, research shows that reading on paper is still the best way to support lasting learning and academic success. Bringing books back into our homes and daily routines may be the most important step we take to preserve our minds, nurture future generations and build a more thoughtful society.
We extend our appreciation and congratulations to GIO Goa for launching the “Phirse Kitaab” Campaign, an initiative aimed at reviving the culture of reading and nurturing a generation that leads with knowledge, curiosity and wisdom. The campaign is running from 7th to 28th December 2025.
