In an age where screens dominate leisure time, educators and parents in Chennai are voicing concern over the declining habit of reading among children. Many believe that rekindling the joy of books is essential not only for academic excellence but also for shaping well-rounded individuals.

“Reading is not just about improving vocabulary; it is about opening windows to the world,” says S. Priya, a librarian at a popular city school. “Children who read regularly tend to be more empathetic, imaginative, and confident in expressing themselves.”

While Chennai boasts a strong literary culture – with events like the Chennai Book Fair drawing massive crowds – experts note that many children’s exposure to reading is now limited to school textbooks. “Parents are busy, and children are glued to devices. Reading for pleasure is becoming rare,” observes R. Karthik, an English teacher in Anna Nagar.

Some schools and NGOs in the city have been taking initiatives to reverse this trend. Community libraries in areas like T. Nagar, Velachery, and Perambur have started weekend storytelling and read-aloud sessions. “When stories are read aloud with passion, children see reading as fun, not a chore,” says Meera Krishnan, founder of a children’s reading club in Adyar.

Parents, too, play a crucial role. “If a child sees their parent reading a book, it becomes normalised at home,” points out Dr. Lakshmi Narayanan, a child psychologist. She adds that family reading time, even if for 20 minutes a day, can spark lifelong interest.

Chennai’s educational experts agree that the habit must be nurtured early – ideally before the age of 10 – for it to stick. From illustrated picture books for toddlers to mystery and adventure novels for teens, the city offers an array of choices in Tamil and English.

As author Sundar Ram puts it, “A child who reads today is an adult who thinks tomorrow. Chennai must protect and pass on its reading culture – it’s as vital as teaching them to swim or ride a bicycle.”

With a collective push from schools, parents, and community groups, Chennai hopes to turn the page on declining reading habits and inspire the next generation of book lovers.