P M Modi inaugurates the Panicker National Reading Day in Kerala

The programme was held here in memory of P.N. Panicker, who contributed greatly to literacy and education, at St. Teresa’s College auditorium.

Addressing the audience, PM Modi highlighted the need for a strong movement of reading and  having more libraries. "This can ignite socio-economic changes across our society," he said.

"I believe in people’s power. I see big hope in such committed social movements. They have the capacity to make a better society and  nation," he said.

Modi said Kerala has been a "torch-bearer and inspiration to the whole nation" in the field of literacy. However, its success in education could not have been achieved by Governments alone as there were citizens and  organizations  who played an active role.

The PM said that reading can help broaden one’s thinking and a well-read population will help India excel globally.

He urged every young person in the audience to take a pledge of reading and enable everyone to do so.

Modi said  P.N. Panicker was the driving spirit behind the library network in Kerala through Kerala Grandhasala Sangham with 47 libraries

"With the same spirit, I had started a similar movement by name of VANCHE GUJARAT when I was Chief Minister of Gujarat."

"I appeal to people to give a book instead of bouquet as a greeting. Such a move can make a big difference."

"Together, we can once again make India a land of wisdom and knowledge," Modi said.