In today's digital age, despite the availability of books, many individuals—especially adults and youth—lack a strong reading habit. The overwhelming influence of digital screens and social media causes a decline in active reading, critical thinking, and meaningful communication. This decline limits intellectual growth, creativity, and informed decision-making, while also weakening family bonds and community engagement. It also affects their children, who are influenced by their parents’ attitudes and behaviors toward reading. Without positive role models, children too lose interest in books, limiting their intellectual growth and communication skills.
Vanchan Vimarsh is a free, pioneering reading program started this year by Vidhyabharti Foundation, designed to cultivate a culture of reading among adults and revive intellectual curiosity and communication skills. This initiative boldly addresses the modern challenge of digital distraction by encouraging participants to replace excessive screen time with enriching, interactive reading experiences. The program uses both technology-driven virtual groups and community-based offline activities to foster a lifelong love for reading across Two(Three: Gujarati, Hindi & English) languages.
Vanchan Vimarsh primarily targets 10,000 adult participants organized into 1,000 virtual reading groups in its first phase, promoting wide community involvement and peer learning. In its next phase, the program will extend through ground-level offline activities, promoting early reading habits and intellectual growth from a young age. Through family and community engagement, Vanchan Vimarsh nurtures a sustainable reading culture that transforms lives.
Small Reading Groups: Participants join virtual groups of 10-12 members, fostering peer support and discussion.
Monthly Book Selection: Each participant selects a book based on their interest to read over the course of a month.
Monthly Virtual Meetings: At month’s end, group members meet online to discuss the book—sharing what they liked, personal connections, inspirations, and insights gained.
Reading Marathon: Completing 12 books in a year through consistent participation in these cycles makes readers part of a motivating “reading marathon.”
Interactive Sessions: Critical thinking and comprehension skills are developed in guided discussions and reflections.
Incentives: Certificates andgifts motivate progress and celebrate milestones.
Family and Community Engagement: Activities strengthen family reading bonds and promote community-wide literacy.
Vanchan Vimarsh aims to collectively read 100,000 books within 5 years, cultivating enhanced reading habits, increased comprehension skills, and a vibrant culture of intellectual engagement. The program envisions empowered individuals capable of critical analysis and effective communication, contributing to stronger families and more informed communities. With success measured through participant feedback, reading logs, and behavior change indicators, Vanchan Vimarsh strives for lasting societal impact.