Regular reading of newspapers, particularly The Hindu, can expand students’ knowledge and prospects in education and careers, Guntur District Educational Officer Sk. Saleem Bhasha said on Wednesday.

Addressing students at the launch of an English Language Development Initiative jointly organised by The Hindu and VIT-AP at Zilla Praja Parishad High School, Mandadam, in Amaravati, Mr. Bhasha advised students to read newspapers to learn about education, science and technology, agriculture and innovations taking place worldwide.

He said students should use technology as a learning tool rather than for entertainment, and cited the success of UPSC and APPSC aspirants who had benefited from regular reading of The Hindu.

He asked students to follow three principles— listen to parents and teachers, develop good handwriting and attend school regularly. He thanked VIT-AP and The Hindu for sponsoring Young World and Teen Digest through CSR support, saying the initiative would improve students’ English skills.

The Hindu Andhra Pradesh Resident Editor Appaji Reddem said English proficiency could influence education, careers and future opportunities. Recalling his experience of learning English through newspaper reading and dictionaries, he urged students to read, write and speak regularly.

Referring to Francis Bacon, he said, some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested, while stressing that newspapers combine enjoyment, knowledge and deeper learning.

He said language should communicate clearly. Simple and precise English is more valuable than complicated vocabulary. A strong mother-tongue foundation, he added, helps in learning other languages.

VIT-AP Vice-Chancellor P. Arulmozhivarman said reading develops curiosity, imagination, vocabulary, communication skills and confidence. Students should ask “why, what, how and what if” to develop scientific thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Describing English as an enabler for higher education and global communication, he said it should complement Indian languages. He urged students to read 15 to 20 minutes and follow “Read, Think, Discuss, Question and Share.” “Today’s reader is tomorrow’s thinker, and tomorrow’s thinker becomes society’s problem solver,” he said.

Head Master T. Nagesh advised students to read The Hindu to improve their knowledge and language skills.

Published - August 19, 2026 09:45 pm IST