Room to Read India Sets New Record with Nationwide Read-a-Thon Event

A Milestone in Promoting Literacy Across India: Over 170,000 Participants Joined Last Year, This Year Aims for More

Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], September 1: In a striking show of unity, thousands of participants across 11 states joined Room to Read India’s “Read-a-thon” event today, setting a new benchmark in the mission to promote literacy in the country. The event, organized from 11 AM to 11:30 AM, is part of Room to Read India’s flagship campaign, ‘India Gets Reading,’ and aims to bring together an unprecedented number of people to read simultaneously at multiple locations.

Last year, the Read-a-thon event attracted a record-breaking 170,000 participants, including children, parents, educators, government officials, donors, and community members. Building on that success, this year’s initiative aims to involve an even larger audience, expanding its reach across the states where Room to Read India operates.

“Today marks a momentous day for literacy in India,” said Ms. Poornima Garg, Country Director of Room to Read India. “With the Read-a-thon initiative, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to nurturing reading habits among children. It’s awe-inspiring to see children and adults alike, across different states, come together to read. We are not only setting a new reading record today but also demonstrating India’s enormous potential for educational advancement.”

The event was officially adjudicated by the India Book of Records and the Asia Book of Records, organizations that document extraordinary achievements. While the final tally of participants is still being counted, the Read-a-Thon is expected to break last year’s record, setting a new milestone in the history of literacy events in India.

The Read-a-Thon is more than just a record-setting attempt; it is an endeavor that amplifies the broader goals of the ‘India Gets Reading’ campaign. By bringing together a wide array of stakeholders, from children to policymakers, the initiative aims to highlight the critical role of reading in personal and community development.

“Reading is not just a skill; it’s an empowerment tool. It opens doors to knowledge, creativity, and opportunities,” added Ms. Garg. “This event serves as a beacon, rallying people around the shared cause of literacy and learning. It is a cornerstone in our mission to foster a culture of reading across India.”

Participants joined the event across various school and community locations in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi NCR, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Schools and community centers were buzzing with excitement as children, teachers, and parents came together, books in hand, eager to be part of this revolutionary literacy initiative.

About Room to Read

Founded in 2003, Room to Read India has programs in eleven states across the country. The organization is part of the global Room to Read network, which has been transforming the lives of millions of children in low-income communities by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. Since its inception in 2000, Room to Read has impacted more than 39 million children across 23 low-income countries.

For more information on Room to Read India and its programs, visit their website at www.roomtoreadindia.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

This Read-a-Thon event stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the limitless possibilities that can be achieved when a nation comes together to prioritize education and literacy. With the success of this event, Room to Read India continues to set the pace in the race towards a more literate and empowered India.

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