The State Library in Port Blair turned into a vibrant hub of creativity and learning as it continued its month-long ‘Monsoon Book Reading Festival 2.0’ this October. The initiative, designed to rekindle reading habits among young learners, has seen active participation from students across government and private schools. This Sunday’s event combined literature, fun, and learning in an engaging celebration of books and community spirit.
Under the festival, students from Classes VI to VIII participated in interactive activities such as daily conversation practice in English and a lively Book Relay, where teams competed in reading and comprehension tasks designed to make literature enjoyable and collaborative. The competitions were aimed at improving language skills while nurturing curiosity and teamwork among the participants.
In a parallel initiative, the State Library also hosted the ‘Seva Pakhwada’ programme, held the previous day, featuring drawing, elocution, and essay competitions for students across different age groups. Pupils from Classes I to V showcased their imagination through drawings, while those from Classes VI to XII presented essays and speeches on themes of service and social contribution.
Both events drew enthusiastic participation from schools across the Islands, with students demonstrating creativity, articulation, and awareness of social values. The atmosphere reflected the Library’s ongoing efforts to transform reading into a community-building experience rather than a solitary task.
Deputy Director of Education (Planning) and Nodal Officer (State Library) Archana Singh attended as the chief guest, commending the students for their participation and encouraging them to make full use of the Library’s resources. The Library, located under the Directorate of Education, houses an extensive collection of children’s literature, fiction, competitive exam materials, and general knowledge resources. Its peaceful reading area has become a gathering point for young learners and educators alike.
Speaking at the event, Singh encouraged the students to take advantage of the weekly programmes regularly organised by the Library, which include storytelling, reading circles, and literary discussions aimed at promoting continuous learning. She emphasized that reading remains one of the most powerful tools for self-development and awareness, and such community-driven initiatives help students discover the joy of books beyond classrooms.
Prizes were distributed to winners of the Monsoon Book Reading Festival 2.0, with certificates and tokens of appreciation presented as encouragement. The winners of Seva Pakhwada will be felicitated during the closing ceremony on October 26, marking the culmination of a month dedicated to literacy and service.
The events were coordinated by Anbarasan, In-Charge of the State Library, who proposed a vote of thanks, acknowledging the support of participating schools, parents, and volunteers who made the twin initiatives a success.
Through these programmes, the State Library continues to reinforce its role as a community learning space, not just for reading, but for dialogue, self-expression, and collective growth. The Monsoon Book Reading Festival and Seva Pakhwada have together showcased how libraries can evolve into lively cultural centers that blend education with creativity and civic engagement.
As the festival approaches its conclusion, the Library plans to sustain the momentum by continuing its Sunday reading programmes and introducing more interactive events in the coming months. For many young participants, the event was more than a competition, it was a chance to rediscover books as companions in a fast-changing digital world.
