On October 15, 2024, St. Mary’s High School, Mazagaon, celebrated Vachan Prerana Day, an initiative to foster the love for reading among students. The event is observed annually on the birth anniversary of the former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, a strong advocate of reading and knowledge acquisition.
The primary goal of Vachan Prerana Day is to inspire students to read more and develop a habit of lifelong learning. The day emphasizes the importance of reading not just as a means of academic excellence but as a gateway to personal growth and creativity.
The event began with a solemn prayer, invoking blessings on the students and teachers. The school’s principal, Fr. Felix D’Souza SJ, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the significance of reading in today’s technology-driven world. He shared insights from Dr. Kalam’s life, stressing how books shaped the former President’s vision for India.
A variety of activities were organized throughout the day to engage students from all age groups:
Book Exhibition: A special book exhibition was set up in the school library showcasing a wide range of books, including fiction, biographies, science, history, and children’s literature. Students were encouraged to browse and select books of their interest, with special focus on literature that promotes moral values and critical thinking.
Silent Reading Hour: A school-wide silent reading session was held for all students. Every student and teacher dedicated an hour to reading their favorite books, transforming the campus into a haven of quiet concentration.
Storytelling Session: For the younger students in Jr. KG to Std. 3, a storytelling session was conducted. Teachers narrated stories that were both entertaining and educational, encouraging children to immerse themselves in the world of imagination.
Book Review Presentations: Students from Std. 7 to 10 presented book reviews of their favorite novels and non-fiction works. This activity honed their public speaking skills and provided peers with recommendations for future reading.
Student Participation
The enthusiasm of the students was palpable throughout the day. Many took the opportunity to borrow books from the school’s library and pledged to make reading a daily habit.
Vachan Prerana Day at St. Mary’s High School was a grand success. It not only rekindled the students’ love for reading but also reinforced the school’s commitment to holistic education. By the end of the day, students left inspired, eager to embark on new reading journeys and gain knowledge that extends beyond the classroom.
Fr. Felix D’Souza SJ, in his concluding remarks, encouraged students to make reading a lifelong habit, quoting Dr. Kalam, “Reading is the basic tool in the living of a good life.”
The day was a fitting tribute to the legacy of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and a reminder of the transformative power of books in shaping young minds.
