THE BOOKHOME, a library for children was formally inaugurated near ETE Coffee, Billy Graham Road, Kohima by the Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nagaland, Abu Metha on 19 November.

Speaking on the occasion, Metha congratulated the proprietor and lauded her for making her long felt dream a reality by opening a library which he said would be very helpful not only for children but also to those who have inculcated the habit of reading.

He said, “Reading makes us grow, learn, broaden our view and induce us to do well in life.”

Describing himself as an avid reader, he recalled how he spent his time and energy on reading books during his school days.

Metha shared how reading has been a part and parcel of his life and added that it helps him keep abreast with the latest happenings around the world.

He also mentioned that devices and films do help us but nothing could be substituted to reading. Therefore, he emphasised the importance of reading and urged children to strongly inculcate the habit of reading.

Children’s author Theyie Keditsu, who shared a few words on the occasion, congratulated and lauded the efforts of the proprietor for coming up with a library which she herself had been longing for.

Keditsu earnestly emphasised the importance of reading to children even if they cannot read by themselves. “Nagas do not read because we are oral in culture,” she said and added, “our society has a highly developed sense of orality”.

The publisher of Penthrill Publication House, Rita Krocha, recalled how she grew up with her siblings with very few homes in the locality during the 1990s. She said she had inculcated the habit of reading and started reading in earnest while in college.

She said the world is nothing but a place filled with infinite possibilities.

Proprietor of THE BOOKHOME, Yirmiyan Arthur, chaired the programme, while a thanksgiving prayer was offered by Pastor City Church, Kedo Peseyie.