Why National Reading Day is celebrated: Every year 19 June is celebrated as National Reading Day. This day is celebrated in honor of Kerala teacher P.N. Panikkar. P.N. Panikkar is called the father of Kerala’s ‘Library Movement’. Let us tell you that Puthuvayil Narayan Panikkar died on 19 June 1995. From the very next year of his death i.e. in 1996, this day is celebrated as a tribute to this legend. Not only this, the Education Ministry of Kerala also celebrates the period between 19 to 25 June as Vaayan Varam i.e. Reading Week.
History of National Reading Day
To know the history of this day, we have to know about P.N. Panikkar. He was born on 1 March 1909 in Neelampur. His mother’s name was Janaki and father’s name was Govinda Pillai. He is seen with special respect in Kerala because he is called the father of the library movement here.
In the year 1926, P.N. Panikkar started the Sanatana Dharma Pustakalaya in his hometown. He used to work as a teacher during this time. He died on 19 June and this day is celebrated as his death anniversary since 1996.
Many libraries were built later
After the first library was built in 1945, no new libraries were built for many years. Twenty years later, he led the Travancore Library Association through the Thiruvithamkoor Granthasala Sangha, which comprised 47 local libraries. This club made people aware of the importance of books with the slogan ‘Read and Grow’.
Contributed towards 100% literacy
Let us tell you that in the year 1990, Kerala was declared a 100% literate state. P.N. Panikkar and his library movement played an important role behind this. He developed the culture of reading in Kerala.
That is why National Reading Day is not just celebrated for one day, but there are many small and big celebrations throughout the week. This state not only celebrates his legacy but also highlights the importance of reading and teaching even today through various programs.
The award has also been received
After the formation of Kerala state in 1956, the association became Kerala Granthasala Sangh. Through his tireless efforts, P.N. Panikkar was able to include about 6 thousand libraries in its network. Not only this, in the year 1975, it received the prestigious UNESCO Kupreskaya Award. In the year 1977, the state government took it over. Before that, P.N. Panikkar was its general secretary for more than 30 years.
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