National conference in Delhi highlights literacy and education efforts

The inaugural Reading Torch 1st national conference and awards took place at India Habitat Centre, focused on promoting literacy and education. The event opened with a play by Akvarious Production House, addressing inclusivity in education.

Sanjay Kumar, secretary (school education & literacy), launched the reading torch initiative, conceptualized by Manbir Bedi. The initiative aims to promote reading and storytelling, particularly among children. Bedi also introduced an accreditation system for reading schools, classifying them as emerging, progressive, or proficient.

Himanshu Gupta, secretary of CBSE, emphasized early childhood's role in fostering a love for reading and called for making school libraries more engaging. Yuvraj Malik, Director of the National Book Trust, discussed the importance of reading for knowledge and values.

Rajesh Bajaj said, "The event marks a significant milestone in India’s educational landscape, and its success heralds many more such initiatives aimed at inspiring young minds through the power of reading.”

Dr Deepak Vohra spoke on education's role in India's development. Dr Shyama Chona highlighted reading's impact on empathy and creativity in children.
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