Response Paper on News Article

 

The response is to the article entitled ‘Incurable habit’ (1) written by Ruchi Sharma and published in Deccan Herald on 25th October, 2021. As Richard Steele has quoted, ‘Reading is to the mind what exercise to the body’. We do exercise to make our body fit, in the similar manner reading helps our mind to remain active and releases our stress. Reading is a very good habit which is helpful in one's development. Good books can provide you knowledge, make you aware and lead you in the right direction. The writer of the article has clearly been able to convey this idea through her words. Based on the theme of reading habits, the article focuses on the benefits of reading books, how reading habits inculcated from childhood and how these habits have been replaced by other mediums of entertainment  for the young generation in the present era. 

I strongly agree with the author's statement that ‘books have been elbowed out by alternative forms of entertainment that have captured the desire of the young generation.’ I have seen many children who are spending their leisure time by watching short videos on social media, mimicking on the songs and making their own videos, and playing video games such as Free Fire, PUB-G. Such kinds of habits are  harmful for their mental health which leads to violent behavior, anxiety and stress. If I talk about the days when there would be a mini World War to read the children’s magazine to which children subscribed. The stories of Hansel and Gretel, Harry Potter, and Ruskin Bond’s stories would enthrall them. It seems to me that the scenario has been totally changed, there are no marks of reading habits on 21st century’s young generation. According to the Common Sense Media, teens are spending nearly nine hours on average using media or technology. As for tweenagers, between the ages of 10 and 14, they use technology six hours per day. 

In my opinion the author has explained very well that reading gives us wisdom beyond years. I still remember, my parents always encouraged me to read good books. I have realized the importance of reading books now and how one can get wisdom through reading. In the evening, before going to bed,  we would listen to Panchatantra stories narrated by our grandparents with gestures which made our mouths agape. We also insisted on listening to or watching the Mahabharata and Ramayana numerous times on television. I think this is how the values, culture and wisdom were inculcated among the 20th century’s children. 

I feel that none can disprove the benefits of reading because it lays a firm foundation for greater things such as the evolution of fluency of thoughts. This is my personal experience that we learn new words which help to enhance our vocabulary, and our expressions acquire a new dimension. I believe language skills such as listening, speaking, reading and writing are refined by reading books. Books help us to widen our horizon of vision as they familiarize us with different cultures, religions, traditions, customs and ethnicity. The best part is that we can read books in our leisure time or while moving. During the pandemic, there are some people who spend their time reading books which help them to tackle stress. New research shows how reading books can help young people escape from their sources of stress, find role models in characters and develop their personality (2). Spending too much time while using technological gadgets is harmful for physical as well mental health, it is scientifically proven.

It can be concluded that the article is written on the benefits of reading habits and how these habits have been replaced by new technologies. But the title of the article itself depicts that ‘incurable habit’ which means the benefits of reading habit is incapable of being altered; reading habits has its own essence. I personally believe that reading increases our imagination power as while reading we imagine the characters and get involved in their conversation. It makes you feel free from tension and anxiety while reading books. I have seen some people fall asleep and forget all of their problems while reading books. A good book may seem to be a bundle of papers but it is much more than that. It leaves us richer and wealthier. Good books can be your best friend because they drive away feelings of loneliness and isolation.

I would like to give suggestions to the author about the use of more examples and pictures to make it more interactive for the young readers. I want teachers, parents and young children to read this article. It will make the young readers aware about the benefits of reading habits; parents and teachers would think over this and inculcate such good habits among young children so that the values, culture and wisdom could be inherited among the future generation.

Reference: (1) https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/right-in-the-middle/incurable-habit-1044158.html

 (2) https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/with-loss-of-activities-in-pandemic-youngsters-find-escape-door-in-books/articleshow/85177464.cms?from=mdr