KALA Launches Reading Promotion Project for School Children at St Agnes Higher Primary School

Mangaluru, July 21: The Karnataka State Library Association (R.) (KALA), Dakshina Kannada Chapter, in association with the Library of St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, launched its student-centric reading initiative, “Odona, Beliyona: Indina Odu – Naalina Yashassu” (Today’s Reading – Tomorrow’s Success), at St Agnes Higher Primary School, Bendure, on Tuesday.

The programme began with a prayer song by the students of St Agnes Higher Primary Kannada Medium School. Mrs. Philomena Menezes, In-Charge Headmistress of the school, welcomed the gathering.

Introducing the project, Dr. Vishala B.K., President of KALA Dakshina Kannada Chapter, outlined its vision of fostering a reading culture among primary and high school students, particularly those studying in Kannada-medium schools. She said the long-term community engagement initiative aims to cultivate lifelong reading habits and inspire young learners to embrace books as companions in their educational journey.

The project was formally inaugurated by Sr. Dr. M. Venissa A.C., Principal of St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru. In her inaugural address, she highlighted the transformative power of reading and knowledge, comparing it to the light of a lamp that can illuminate countless others without losing its own brightness.

Emphasising that “Knowledge is Power,” Sr. Dr. Venissa said reading dispels ignorance and empowers individuals to enrich society through shared knowledge. She commended Dr. Vishala B.K. and the KALA Dakshina Kannada Chapter for launching such a meaningful initiative within a month of assuming office and appreciated their efforts to promote reading habits among children while encouraging librarians to nurture curiosity and lifelong learning from an early age.

As part of the programme, resource persons Dr. Rajatha P. Shetty, Chief Librarian, SDM Institute of Technology, Ujire, and Vice-President of KALA Dakshina Kannada Chapter, and Dr. Vishala B.K. conducted interactive sessions on “Inculcating Reading Habits for Success in Life.” They encouraged students to develop a regular reading habit as a foundation for academic excellence and personal growth.

To further strengthen the initiative, books were distributed to the students to encourage reading and learning.

The programme was compered by Dr. Tressy Menezes, Council Member of KALA Dakshina Kannada Chapter, while Mrs. Chrystal Nisha, PG Librarian, St Agnes College (Autonomous), proposed the vote of thanks.