The Joy of Reading

n today’s fast-paced world, technology is advancing so rapidly that it can be overwhelming, especially for Millennials. We often find ourselves caught between sticking to traditional methods or adapting to the latest digital trends. Personally, I tend to favor the older, more hands-on ways of doing things. For example, I still prefer using traditional software to create videos or collages, as it allows me to put in visible effort. Similarly, when it comes to reading, my heart remains with physical books rather than their digital counterparts like Kindles.

As an avid reader, I cherished the joy of holding a physical book until life took a turn with the arrival of my son. My focus shifted from my own reading habits to instilling in him the love for books. Sadly, today’s children are often glued to screens—be it televisions or mobile phones—and are missing out on the incomparable joy of reading a physical book.

I vividly remember the day I bought my son his first book. He was just six months old, and my office had organized a small book fair. The child in me was thrilled. I eagerly browsed the collection and selected a colorful storybook with short tales. Returning home, I couldn’t wait to introduce the book to my little one. Though my in-laws were skeptical—wondering how a baby could possibly understand—my excitement remained undeterred. After all, if a mobile phone could captivate his attention, why not a book?

I began showing him the vibrant pictures and narrating the stories. Initially, he didn’t understand, but I continued. Over time, he began grasping the stories, and the joy on his face was unforgettable. Encouraged, I bought more books and made storytelling a daily ritual. Despite being called “crazy” by those around me, I persisted because I believed in the value of this habit.

Years passed, and my efforts bore fruit. When my son learned to read, his enthusiasm for books knew no bounds. I was reminded of how I used to treasure the smell of a new book, and seeing him do the same felt surreal. Soon, reading before bed became a nightly tradition. Some argued that this might disturb his sleep, but for us, books were more of a blessing than a distraction. Books are his friends now.

What could be more fulfilling than sharing the joy of reading with your child? My son and I now often read side by side, and there’s a unique pride in seeing him surpass me by completing books I left unfinished. While my husband suggested introducing a Kindle for convenience, I chose to stick with physical books. Passing down this habit to my son feels like a triumph of parenting—nurturing a love for books that technology can never replace.

A recent visit to another book fair reaffirmed my beliefs. Watching my son eagerly add books to our cart brought me immense joy. Investing in books felt like the best use of money, and the sight of him engrossed in reading is priceless. It is even more heartening to see that this passion for books isn’t confined to our family. I’ve noticed other children carrying books to the bus stop, flipping through pages as they wait for their school bus.

The timeless joy of reading remains alive in the next generation. As parents and guardians, it’s our responsibility to ensure this love for books continues to thrive, passing from one generation to the next. In a world dominated by screens, there’s nothing quite as meaningful as nurturing a connection with the written word. If we succeed, we will have gifted our children a treasure that no technology can replace.

-Monika Lokhanday is an avid reader, a sports enthusiast, and a doting mother.