While we are more interested in other activities, such as watching TV, playing video games, or using social media, we do not appreciate value in reading books, or we have not been encouraged to read at home or in school. There are many reasons for this. The cost of books is a barrier for many people, and there are limited libraries where people can read and borrow books. This makes it difficult for people like us with low income to get their hands on books. Reading is often seen as a luxury or a hobby for the wealthy. Also, young people here usually do not see their parents or other adults reading, and they are less likely to develop a reading habit themselves.
Affordable editions of books can help to cultivate reading habits by making books more accessible to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. When people can afford to buy books, they are more likely to read them. This is because reading is a discretionary activity, and people are more likely to engage in activities that they enjoy and that they feel are worthwhile. Affordable editions can help to show that reading is a valuable activity that is accessible to everyone.
With present emergence of online shopping in the country, especially in Kathmandu, there is a wide range of affordable alternatives of printed books available. It is surprising and delighting to see many best-sellers available in just couple of hundred of rupees. This is the best time to embrace such low-cost edition books and open a gateway to intellectual growth and personal development. It is needless to highlight other benefits of reading habit here.
In a society dominated by digital media and fleeting distractions, developing a reading habit is more vital than ever.