PUNE, Jan 1: At a time when book-reading of an average citizen has dipped alarmingly, its time for the seat of learning to step in.Concerned with decline in book readership, the University of Pune has embarked upon an ambitious programme to reinvigorate the common public interests towards books.The university has tied up with an organisation `Granthali' to propagate the message of book-reading in the three districts of Pune, Ahmednagar and Nashik under its jurisdiction, by holding book festivals at various places.Addressing a press conference here today Vice-Chancellor Dr Arun Nigavekar said that book exhibitions will be held in nine select colleges in the three districts in which 700 books of renowned publishers in Marathi and 300 books in English will be displayed. Besides display, books will also be on sale at the venue.``It is a very disturbing fact that the younger generation is losing the habit of reading books and hence the varsity has decided to revitalise and spread the culture of reading books,'' said Nigavekar.Not stopping at holding the exhibition alone, the varsity will supplement its drive by holding discussions of litterateurs, intellectuals besides organising cultural programmes. Eminent personalities who will participate in the varsity's drive include Dr Y D Phadke, Ramdas Bhatkal, Prof Yashwant Pathak, Ratnakar Matkari and Mangala Khadilkar.Video films on noted author P L Deshpande and renowned poets Kusumagraj and V D Karandikar will also be screened during the festival, said Nigavekar. The 35-day festival will commence from January 3, starting with Tuljaram Chaturchand College at Baramati. Subsequently the festival will be organised at various other colleges in the three districts.Meanwhile , in an attempt to bridge the gap between education and industry, the Mahratta Chambers of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) has decided to grant permanent special membership of its executive council to the varsity's Vice-Chancellor.Informing the press about MCCIA's decision Nigavekar said that such a provision would further increase the chances of association between industries and educational institutes.He further said that the Chambers had also appointed a sub-committee to exclusively look into education.
