THE BEST COMPANION

Hi friends,

When my children were kids, I used to visit my close relatives so that they could get good exposure. One of my relatives was a voracious reader and he used to buy many books. Though I was interested in reading books, I could not buy due to high prices and I did not like to borrow books.

He bought books on short stories, comics, Maha Bharata, Ramayana, Tenaliraman, etc. for his two sons who were of the same age as my children. His kids read those books without even playing with my children. My children had to look at them pathetically or played on their own. 

He was well-positioned and he could afford to spend on books to develop the reading habit in his children. I could not do so due to financial constraints. I used to feel sorry for my children but I could not help it. I was aware that reading habit should be developed at a young age. What to do?

Lord Byron [ 1788 to 1824 ] said reading makes a man. It is the source from where one gets knowledge. It is the best companion when you are alone. You can go on be reading books forgetting the world. Later, I developed the habit of reading books by getting it from the library.

To develop the interest, one should start with the books of his liking. It may be on any subject. He may start reading magazines, comics, newspaper, etc.  He may then switch over to novels. Friends will guide him to good novels. 

Then he will not be able to remain without reading books and he will become an addict to it. After all, it develops his knowledge apart from spending his time usefully. Later on, he may switch over to religious and spiritual books to develop knowledge on God and other subjects. 

Life is a continuous process of learning and there is no end for learning. I have read many novels and books on human relations, biography, religion, spiritualism etc and I have come to a stage wherein I cannot remain without reading. It has become a part and parcel of my life.

I request you to develop the habit though it is difficult initially. It develops vocabulary, it helps prepare children,  it encourages a thirst for knowledge. Above all, it keeps your brain engaged and protects from Alzheimer. I can only guide you and it is up to you to take it or leave it. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.