I absolutely love reading books! Recently, Pune hosted both the Pune Pustak Mahotsav and the Pune International Literary Festival, where I had the honour of being invited as a speaker. Not long ago, I was also invited to participate in a book discussion on Yuval Noah Harari’s latest work, Nexus. It’s fascinating to explore his perspective on the role of AI in our lives. Harari is one of my favourite authors, and his earlier books like Sapiens and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century have deeply captivated my thoughts.
One question I often find myself pondering is how we can encourage the younger generation to develop a reading habit? It seems that many young people are less inclined to read these days, often glued to gadgets like smartphones and iPads. This makes it crucial to nurture a love for reading while they are still in school or college.
At home, my shelves are filled with books, and those who know me are well aware of my passion for reading. On special occasions, such as my birthday, I always receive books as gifts, but what I cherish the most is visiting a bookstore and picking out a new favourite to enjoy.
The latest book that has captured my attention is Deep Work. This exceptional read explores the concept of deep work—how to focus intensely on tasks that matter and avoid the distractions of shallow work. The author illustrates the importance of immersing oneself in meaningful work, offering examples of successful people who committed themselves to concentrated thought, often locking themselves away for hours each day to strategize and refine their ideas.
Another personal favourite is The Tata Story, a remarkable biography of the Tata family. It’s not just about the personal lives and legacy of the Tatas, but also about their unique culture. In particular, Ratan Tata’s interview provides profound insights into one of the world’s largest and most ethically run business empire.
Books have a unique power to expand our knowledge and broaden our perspectives. Developing a reading habit fosters patience, a quality that is essential for the younger generation. Additionally, reading improves language skills and vocabulary, whether in English or any other language, enhancing one’s ability to express themselves clearly and confidently. My love for reading is what enables me to translate my thoughts into the written word, which is also how I write my Monday blogs.
So, happy reading! I hope you enjoy this blog as much as I enjoyed writing it.