Nagpur: The need for younger generation to recapture the reading habit was stressed at a book fair organized by the Daughters of St Paul in Nagpur, central India.

“Books can transform, motivate and change our lives,” Brother Shine Alex, principal of Montfort High School, said at the opening of the nine-day Pauline Book Fair at Sadar area of Nagpur on December 4.

The Brother shared anecdotes from his to life to highlight how reading has influenced his life.

“Our reading of books influence us, gives us hope and courage as well as help us relax,” he told the gathering comprising students and youngsters.

Reading Dr Abdul Kalam’s books encourages one to make the best use of creative talents. He encouraged the students to develop a reading habit adding that it will also awaken in them leadership qualities.

Nagpur archdiocesan vicar general Fr R Isaac stressed the importance of reading and highlighted the missionary aspect of this book fair.

“Books influences the minds of the readers to become better people and value oriented in one’s life; the books provided by the Daughters of St Paul also share the message and values of Jesus,” he said and added, “May they reach out to all bringing the God’s values to everyone.”

Brigit John, an English teacher and a trainer of Life-skill and Communicative English suggested quoting Dr Abdul Kalam, “We could use the time spent in watching TV by sitting with the children and developing their reading habits.”

She said reading daily would help one gain mental stimulation and tranquility and reduce stress. “We develop stronger Analytical Thinking Skills, acquire better Knowledge, improve Focus and Concentration, develop better writing skills, our memory improves, and an expansion of our vocabulary,” she added.

The Pauline Book Fair is an annual event organized by the Pauline Book and Media Centre, Nagpur from December 4-12. Its aim is to inculcate and promote reading habit in people. The Book fair has a good collection of books by various publishers from India and abroad on variety of topics and for all age groups.