“One Nation Reading Together”   

As the clock struck twelve on Friday, November 28, 2008, children across the country pledged to read more. From Kashmir to Andaman and Nagaland to Goa, with a special focus on the metro cities, schools conducted literacy events to celebrate the pleasures of reading.

      One Nation Reading Together is a unique and innovative model, designed by Scholastic India to celebrate the joys of reading.

      An estimated 3 lakh children from across the country participated in this event in their schools, and read the specially written reading pledge for fun and did other activities that celebrate reading as a pleasurable and enjoyable activity.

      For every school which signed up to participate in this event, Scholastic donated 100 books to underprivileged children. Scholastic had tied up with twelve NGOs in different parts of the country, where they gifted children over 35,000 books. Authors and other celebrities accompanied the Scholastic representative to the NGOs and read to the children and gifted books to children individually and in some places even set up their libraries. 

Nation wide activities on November 28, 2008 

Other NGO’s that participated in the event were Vidya Sagar, Chennai, Spastic society, Bangalore and Salaam Balaak Trust, Mumbai.  

To each participating school and NGO Scholastic sent out a special Reading Kit, that included event posters, event postcards, the reading pledge written by acclaimed poet and author Sampurna Chattarji and copies of the book Why I Love to Read.  

   Why I Love to Read is a compilation of short essays, a poem and a comic strip on the subject of reading by people from different walks of life—including authors, actors, artists, RJs and publishers—on their love for reading. This book was specially published to mark the event. 

To bring a focus to bear on the issue of children’s reading habits in India, Scholastic in partnership with various bookstores also conducted series of panel discussions across the country where authors, teachers and others discussed the topic “Are Our Kids Reading Enough?”  

According to Frank Wong, President, Scholastic Asia, “At Scholastic we believe that we must do our utmost to provide books to children who normally would not have access to books. The joy and the thousands of smiles we see as young readers receive their free books make it very rewarding for the company and everyone involved.” 

Praise for One Nation Reading Together 

“I, on behalf of Scholars Rosary family appreciate the efforts of Scholastic India in creating awareness and instilling a feeling of reading together among the schools.” – Preeti Gugnani, Principal, Scholars Rosary, Rohtak 

“I most highly appreciate the ideas and suggestions put forth, which in fact was a big driving force for us conducting the activities. I also must add that your generosity in donating books to a needy school deserves five stars from my side! Keep up the good work!” - Assistant Headmistress, St. Karen’s Nursery School, Patna 

“The reading day was thoroughly enjoyed by the students as it stimulated them to read more and more books in order to broaden their visions.” – Mrs. Anita Devi, Principal, Navy Children School, Andaman & Nicobar Islands 

“At the stroke of 12 noon the bell was rung to mark the beginning of the reading session. For the next 30 minutes, there was complete silence. Every member on the campus was reading. From the Principal’s room to the office, from the art room to the staff room, there was complete silence – each one was engrossed in their reading.” – Principal, Centre Point School, Kotal Road 

“Our children really enjoyed and celebrated the reading session. Children have cultivated the reading habit wonderfully.” – V. Kanchana, Principal, Emerald Valley Public School, Salem 

“One Nation Reading Together proved to be a very exciting and novel way to incfulcate good reading habits among the students. We were happy to be a part of the nation wide campaign to promote the cause of reading,” – Dr. C.G. Geetha, Principal, Dawn International School, Kochi 

“Each and every student in the class read the books they had brought and shared their experiences about reading. The school has decided to take up this activity as a regular feature, not once a year but every month. We are grateful to Scholastic for inspiring us to read.” – Ms. Sumati Paliwal, Vidyashram Public School, Kota 

“A small function was organized to mark the importance of reading wherein authors were invited to motivate the children. It was a memorable experience for one and all every moment of which will be cherished by all the students and teachers.” – Dr. Rajesh Sharma, Principal, Mithi Gobindram Public School, Bhopal 

“The noble endeavour to lead students into discovering the fabulous world of reading was christened “One Nation Reading Together”. The reading pledge was taken in the morning assembly and solemnized later in the day in the true spirit of dedication.” – Mrs. Seetha Kiran, Principal, DAV PS, Safilguda 

“Through this wonderful event, you have made a remarkable record of performance in the field of education. It gave us immense pleasure to organize the programme even though it was raining heavily. We initiated the programme at 12 noon with our school prayer and school song.” – Emmaus Swiss Hospital School, Palamaner 

“A soothing calm prevailed in the school campus for about 30 minutes as the eager youthful minds delved deep into the fascinating world of books. They soared high into flights of imagination painted by renowned authors of the world.” – Principal, Cambridge School, Indirapuram 

“The students read story books, while the teachers and the Principal read magazines and news papers together. The office staff as well as the peons and attendants participated in the reading drive too. The entire school pledged to make books their friends to enhance their knowledge and become good aware citizens of India.” – Preeti Sharad, Principal, Shri Ram Ashram Public School, Amritsar.  

“The students enjoyed the half an hour session with great zeal and enthusiasm and felt proud to become a part of this nation wide exciting event.” – S.M.Scott, Principal, Gulmohar, Kanpur 

“It was a unique experience getting the whole school together for reading. It was nice to see children’s genuine interest to read, share their knowledge and their creative talent.” – Principal, Poornaprajna Education Centre, Bangalore 

“One Nation Reading Together has been a wonderful idea to revive students interest in the creative art of reading books.” – D.N. Saksena, Principal, Rishikesh Public School, Rishikesh 

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for being in partnership with us for conducting a truly educative and noble cause through One Nation Reading Together.” – Mamta Nanda, Headmistress, Ryan International School, New Delhi 

“The event gave us one more reason, one more occasion to encourage our students to develop reading habits and enjoy their books.” – Mrs. Jaspal Gill, Principal, M.G.N. Public School, Jalandhar

“We highly appreciate this beneficial step taken by you to encourage the students to develop reading habits.” – Asha Singh, Principal, Lucknow Public College, Lucknow 

“I was very happy to read 13 different stories to my 13 different classes myself. The stories from your book “Why I Love to Read” were really appreciated by my students. The joy that sparkled in the eyes of students was very satisfying.” – Headmistress, Besant English School, Mangalore 

“This remarkable event inspired most of our young minds to cultivate a passion for reading. With this very inspiration we assure you we extend our prolong support in your future endeavours.” – Managing Director, Ratnam Residential High School, Nellore 

The Reading Pledge

Reading is fabulous, reading is fun, 
I read when it rains, I read in the sun! 
I read about places I've never been,  
I read about marvels I've never seen.

The mystery, the magic, the wonder of books, 
The people, the plots, the twists and the hooks. 
There's so much to learn, and so much in store – 
And that's why I pledge – “I'll read so much MORE!”

The reading pledge is written by Sampurna Chattarji, who is a poet and writer.