VP Releases Book on P.N. Panicker, Calls for Revival of Reading Culture in Digital Age

The Vice President made the remarks while releasing the book “The Library Man of India: The Story of P.N. Panicker”, authored by P. P. Sathyan, at Uprashtrapati Bhavan.

Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan has called for a renewed national commitment to reading, learning and knowledge-sharing while expressing concern over the gradual decline in reading habits among younger generations in the age of digital distractions.

The Vice President made the remarks while releasing the book "The Library Man of India: The Story of P.N. Panicker", authored by P. P. Sathyan, at Uprashtrapati Bhavan.

Paying tribute to legendary librarian and social reformer P.N. Panicker, the Vice President described him as a visionary who transformed society through the power of books, literacy and knowledge, and whose contributions continue to inspire India's educational and cultural landscape.

Vice President Pays Tribute to P.N. Panicker's Legacy

Addressing the gathering, Vice President Radhakrishnan praised P.N. Panicker for dedicating his life to making knowledge accessible to all sections of society, regardless of caste, class, geography or economic status.

He said Panicker carried an extraordinary vision that every individual should have equal access to learning opportunities and intellectual empowerment.

The Vice President noted that Panicker's efforts went far beyond literacy and education, emphasizing that he understood illiteracy as a barrier not only to reading but also to dignity, opportunity and social progress.

"Shri Panicker understood early in life that illiteracy was not merely the inability to read, but a barrier to dignity, opportunity, and human progress," the Vice President observed.

From a Small Reading Room to a Mass Literacy Movement

Recalling Panicker's humble beginnings in Kuttanad, Kerala, the Vice President highlighted how a modest initiative evolved into one of India's most influential literacy and library movements.

What started as the Sanatana Dharma Library eventually grew into a powerful social movement that transformed Kerala's intellectual and cultural environment.

The Vice President said Panicker travelled tirelessly through villages, rural areas and tribal settlements carrying the message "Read and Grow," inspiring communities to embrace literacy and lifelong learning.

His grassroots efforts mobilised volunteers, educators and ordinary citizens, helping Kerala emerge as one of India's most literate states.

Father of Kerala's Cultural Renaissance

Describing P.N. Panicker as the "Father of Kerala's Cultural Renaissance," the Vice President said Panicker firmly believed that knowledge should never remain confined to privileged sections of society.

Instead, he viewed libraries and education as instruments of:

• Social awakening

• Equality

• Empowerment

• Human development

• Cultural progress

The Vice President emphasized that Panicker's work demonstrated how books and learning can transform communities and uplift society at large.

Concern Over Declining Reading Habits Among Youth

While reflecting on India's historical tradition of learning, the Vice President expressed deep concern about the weakening culture of reading among younger generations.

He noted that India once hosted world-renowned centres of learning such as Nalanda and Takshashila, which attracted scholars from across the globe.

Although libraries have evolved through digital technologies including:

• E-books

• Digital archives

• Online learning platforms

• Electronic research resources

the Vice President warned that excessive dependence on mobile phones, social media and short-form entertainment content is reducing meaningful engagement with literature and deep reading.

Technology Has Reduced Patience and Concentration, Says VP

Vice President Radhakrishnan cautioned that while technology has made information more accessible, it has also affected attention spans, patience and reflective thinking.

He remarked that deep reading and thoughtful learning are gradually disappearing due to the dominance of fast-paced digital consumption.

"Technology has brought convenience, but it has also reduced patience, concentration, and meaningful engagement with literature and knowledge," he said.

According to the Vice President, societies that stop reading risk weakening their ability to think critically, imagine creatively and understand complex issues deeply.

Books Can Transform Society, Vice President Says

The Vice President stressed that books continue to play a transformative role in shaping individuals and societies.

He said works such as "The Library Man of India" can inspire younger generations to rediscover the value of reading, reflection and intellectual curiosity.

"A library can change a child's future. A book can transform a life. And one determined individual can transform an entire society," he stated.

The Vice President called on parents, teachers and educational institutions to actively encourage reading habits among children and youth.

Government Initiatives Supporting Knowledge Ecosystem

The Vice President also highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to strengthen the country's knowledge and educational ecosystem.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision articulated during Mann Ki Baat, he said libraries should evolve into dynamic hubs of creativity and learning rather than remain limited to traditional reading spaces.

He praised the government's "One Nation, One Subscription" initiative, aimed at expanding access to international scholarly journals and research publications for students, researchers and academic institutions across India.

Gyan Bharatam Mission Highlighted

The Vice President further commended the Gyan Bharatam Mission, which focuses on preserving, digitising and disseminating India's rich manuscript and intellectual heritage using modern technology.

Officials say the initiative seeks to:

• Preserve ancient manuscripts

• Digitise historical texts

• Expand access to knowledge resources

• Promote Indian intellectual traditions globally

The mission forms part of broader efforts to integrate technology with cultural and educational preservation.

P.N. Panicker Foundation Recognised

Vice President Radhakrishnan also appreciated the ongoing work of the P.N. Panicker Foundation under the leadership of Shri N. Balagopal.

He said the Foundation continues to carry forward Panicker's legacy through initiatives promoting literacy, reading culture and educational development.

The organisation has played a major role in sustaining public awareness about the importance of libraries and reading movements in India.

Author Praised for Documenting Panicker's Journey

The Vice President congratulated author P. P. Sathyan for documenting the remarkable life and contributions of P.N. Panicker.

He described the book as an important tribute to a visionary who dedicated his life to empowering society through education and literacy.

According to the Vice President, the publication serves as both a historical record and an inspirational account for future generations.

Dignitaries Attend Book Release Ceremony

Several prominent dignitaries attended the event, including:

• Union Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Tourism, Suresh Gopi

• Former Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, P. J. Kurien

• Vice Chairman of P.N. Panicker Foundation, Shri N. Balagopal

• Senior public figures and invited guests

The gathering reflected broad recognition of P.N. Panicker's enduring contribution to India's literacy and cultural development.

Call for National Reading Revival

Concluding his address, the Vice President urged society to collectively revive the culture of reading, learning and intellectual engagement.

He emphasized that strengthening reading habits is essential not only for personal growth but also for preserving democratic values, critical thinking and social awareness in the modern era.

The event highlighted the continuing relevance of libraries, books and literacy movements even in an increasingly digital world.