When I left the examination hall after attempting my last paper of master\’s, I received a call from my life saver asking, \”Have you completed your education?\” He inquired, and I replied, \”Yes.\” His response was, \”No, actually, your real exams start today because you\’ve entered the examination hall, which is vast and known as society. Everyone you meet will be the examiner, scrutinizing your every word and moment. It\’s time to enroll in your university and start from scratch again.\”
A person happily attempting his paper suddenly felt shocked after hearing him on the phone. \”What do you mean? I\’m not quite getting you,\” I replied. He responded, \”Actually, you need to be a good book reader and bibliophile to be a good citizen and satisfy people with your knowledge. Otherwise, what you\’ve read to pass exams won\’t be useful for you and others.\”
I don\’t know what happened to me, but I decided to get admission to my own college without buildings and teachers. I rushed to the bookstore and bought books based on his suggestions. Today, after two years and reading many books for myself, I\’ve come to understand what real knowledge is and how it brings the elation we crave when we focus only on the syllabus.
After completing a master\’s degree, many think they\’ve learned enough and don\’t need to pick up a book to enhance their knowledge. Most students leave college with the mindset of hunting for jobs, thinking they\’ve achieved their goal. However, the reality is different. While getting a degree and searching for jobs is crucial, developing the habit of reading to stay curious in professional life, where being a jack of all trades is essential, should top every student\’s list.
The habit of book reading has become rare. It\’s uncommon to find students inside colleges or schools discussing the books they\’ve read. Entering libraries gives the feeling of stepping into a ghost house where ancient philosophers, scientists, and brilliant minds loudly grapple, wondering why their works, for which they gave their all, are ignored. This screaming can be heard by anyone who understands their value.
Promoting self-study within schools and colleges is the need of the hour to familiarize students with the value of reading, which is invaluable. There should be a special clause in the curriculum forcing teachers to instill the habit of book reading and self-study. A study room, providing a calm and serene environment, should be a part of every educational institution. Otherwise, we\’ll have a pile of degree holders, but finding an intellectual person will be an uphill task.