Pune: Community Reading Club Blossoms In Wakad’s Sanskriti Society, Fostering Love For Books Across Generations

In an era dominated by digital screens, a residential community in Pune is turning back to the timeless pleasure of printed pages. The Sanskriti Society in Pune has successfully launched the ‘Sanskriti Reading Club,’ a weekly initiative that is quickly becoming a hub for bibliophiles of all ages, with a special focus on nurturing young readers.

The club, now running successfully for over a month, convenes every Saturday from 4 PM to 5 PM in a common area near the A Building within the society.

From an Idea to a Community Movement

“The club was born from a simple desire to increase reading time for children. The initial thought was to increase reading hours for children. We started with a simple format: bring a book, read, and then share. We wanted to create a space where reading is a shared, joyful activity, not a solitary task.” Said Dr.Pooja Pangam, Sanskriti Society. 

The format is engagingly simple yet effective. Participants bring their own books for a dedicated silent reading hour. This is followed by an interactive session where readers, young and old, share what they learned or enjoyed. A budding book exchange system has also organically developed, allowing members to swap and explore new titles.

The club’s vision extends beyond merely reading together. It consciously aims to offset excessive screen time among children by providing a compelling alternative. “Started especially for young children to reduce their mobile screen time and develop a fondness for reading,” Pangam emphasized.

This holistic approach was evident in a recent session on November 14th, where the club replaced the typical celebration snacks of cake and chips with a healthy distribution of fruits. The gathering also featured a dedicated storytelling session and an open discussion with children about the importance of managing screen time.

A Blueprint for the Community

The Sanskriti Reading Club has a clearly defined structure open to all:

For: Children and book lovers of all age groups.

Concept: To leverage social learning and create a culture of reading by example.

Activities: Shared reading, group discussions, storytelling, and book exchanges. A collection of children’s books, including popular Amar Chitra Katha comics, is also available.

Motto: “वाचाल तर वाचाल” (Vachal Tar Vachal – You will prosper if you read).

The initiative has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the society’s residents. Buoyed by this success, the organizers have set their sights on an ambitious next step.

“We are happy to start this activity for book-loving people,” said Pangam. “The next step forward is to start a library.”

The Sanskriti Reading Club exemplifies how community-driven initiatives can successfully promote mindful habits, foster intergenerational bonding, and rekindle the simple joy of getting lost in a good book.