Reading maketh a human – The Hindu

Reading is one of the most fulfilling ways to spend leisure time. Unlike quick digital content, books offer a deep, meaningful experience that enriches the mind and soothes the heart. For me, reading has never been just a habit — it has been a way of life, especially during my school days.

I still recall the joy of running to our local library with my friends the moment the last school bell rang. We were in eighth standard then, full of curiosity and energy. The librarian knew us well — we would stay until he gently reminded us it was time to close. Saturdays and Sundays were sacred reading days. We never missed a weekend at the library.

Beyond that, we had our own little home-grown library. A steel box filled with comics, magazines, and dog-eared novels would travel from one friend’s house to another every week. We collected books from old paper merchants using our pocket money and savings. Each book was a treasure, carefully guarded and lovingly read. That humble steel box connected us in ways that WhatsApp groups never could.

Reading during leisure time nurtures not just knowledge but imagination, empathy, and emotional growth. Fiction transports us to faraway lands and makes us walk in someone else’s shoes. Non-fiction offers new insights into science, history, and everyday life. As children, we devoured comics that thrilled us with adventure and heroes. As we grew, our tastes matured — but the magic of reading never faded.

Books train the mind to think critically. Whether it’s solving mysteries in a detective story or reflecting on the deep questions posed by a philosophical essay, reading sharpens our reasoning skills. Unlike watching a screen, reading engages the brain actively — we picture scenes, hear characters’ voices, and imagine outcomes. That’s why readers often become better problem-solvers and decision-makers.

Another great gift of reading is language. Vocabulary, grammar, and expression improve naturally through books. Those who read often become confident communicators, able to speak and write clearly. This is especially important for students. In our case, reading helped us with schoolwork and made our essays richer and speeches stronger.

In a world filled with distractions, reading also teaches patience and focus. A good book demands your full attention. You can’t scroll or skip — you have to follow the flow. This builds concentration and discipline, qualities that help in all areas of life.

Books also bring emotional comfort. Many times, when life felt confusing or lonely, a book offered peace. Whether it is a self-help guide or a heartfelt story, reading helps us feel understood. Some books became friends — quiet, wise, always there.

Even today, I believe libraries play a huge role in promoting leisure reading. They are not just buildings filled with books; they are safe havens of thought. Our local library shaped our minds and bonded our friendships. I hope every child gets to experience such joy. Equally valuable is a home library, however small. That travelling steel box of books we shared taught us sharing, discipline, and love for stories. It was more than a collection — it was a living part of our growing-up years.

Though digital media is everywhere now, the value of reading during leisure has not diminished. E-books and audio books make it easier to access stories, but the heart of reading remains unchanged. It is still about connecting with words, ideas, and emotions in a personal, thoughtful way.

Reading in our free time does more than entertain — it shapes who we are. It opens our eyes, strengthens our minds, and feeds our souls. For me, the memories of childhood reading are etched deeply, and they continue to inspire my belief that books are among the best companions one can ever find.

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