The reading habit has been spreading fast among Nepalis. This is really wonderful news for writers, publishers and even readers. Not so long ago, publishing houses had a hard time selling their products due to lack of readers. Nowadays, a saying is becoming popular among college students: “Read a new book, be fashionable.” Reading books can be a hobby and an addiction. Book exhibitions, national book festivals, book launching ceremonies and quick marketing have helped to spread the reading culture. Publishing houses have been promoting their books through advertisements in the mass media. They also organise book signing events and interactions between authors and readers. Social media has been one of the best platforms for promoting books. 

At this point, Nepali authors should understand the mood and preferences of readers so that they can satisfy their demands. One major consideration is that books should be entertaining and educational to help people enjoy life. Writers need to diversify and produce autobiographies and books on politics, history and contemporary social issues aside from fiction. They should target not only local readers but also the international market using local themes based on Nepal’s rich culture, traditions and attractions.

Sources and background

The Nepal National Library was established in 1957 at Singha Durbar with the personal collection of the king’s preceptor Hem Raj Pandey. It was later moved to its present location at Harihar Bhawan, Pulchok. This library has an impressive collection of more than 82,000 books, documents and periodicals in different languages including Nepali, English, Sanskrit and others. Copies of old newspapers have also been well archived. More than 100 public libraries now cater to the demand of Nepali readers from different levels and backgrounds. This shows that the thinking about reading has changed. People have gone beyond reading course books. Teenagers are the most potent consumers worldwide, and the Nepali market is no different. They are the most prolific and passionate users of new media. Educated youths are eager to create book collections and establish mini libraries of their own. 

Is there still a need for printed books in this digital age? The answer is a resounding yes. Books are a tremendous storehouse of knowledge, ideas and creativity. Reading activates readers’ imagination and intelligence and spurs them into action. Reading is a great way to educate oneself, fill in the leisure hours with pleasure and feed one’s mind and spirit. The human mind is a nonstop processing machine that is always seeking information, and reading helps to nourish and stimulate the mind and keep it engaged. Psychologically, a regular reading habit is a helpful way to divert the mind from negative thinking to positive thinking. 

Reading religious, philosophical and literary books will remove stress and keep a person mentally, socially and spiritually smart. It exercises the mind and prevents it from becoming stale, dormant and unused. It can teach readers skills and give them a new positive outlook on life. Reading books provides a more in-depth look and wider scope into topics as they can delve much deeper than audio-visual means. Likewise, reading improves the quality of conversation and writing. Reading is one of the cheapest forms of entertainment. It is even free on the internet or in libraries. It can stimulate your analytical thinking abilities and skills. 

Top political leaders present their arguments based on the books they have read or the characters that have impressed them. Reading is also a powerful influence that can change one’s emotional state. Nearly all successful entrepreneurs cite the name of at least one book that completely transformed their lives. It is believed that reading helps to solve problems in life and bear challenges. Therefore, the benefits of reading are limitless, and it is an age-old tradition. 

The future

With the growing number of young readers and prospective writers in Nepal, the future of reading and writing seems to be rosy. It can be assumed that Nepali writers will produce qualitative, informative and best-selling works like Muna Madan in Nepal and the Harry Potter series in the West. The government should also give priority to improving public libraries and establishing more reading centres in the country. Authors and publishers will then be able to live respectably on the income from their profession. People will start giving books as gifts on different occasions instead of other expensive items. Political leaders, businesspersons, artists and students can be expected to further develop their regular reading habit to keep themselves updated. 

In the future, a balance must be sought between reading printed materials and e-books. Books written in Nepali need to be translated into English and vice versa. School students should be encouraged to read more books to enhance their reading culture. Let’s read regularly and live a relaxed, smart, busy and healthy life. 

Regmi is associated with the Nepal Youth Foun-dation