Education Minister Rohit Thakur Launches ‘My Words, My Story’ Reading Campaign

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur launched the ‘My Words, My Story’ reading campaign in Shimla on Wednesday to promote reading habits among children in government primary schools across the state.

The minister flagged off a mobile library van from the State Secretariat. The van will visit schools and encourage students to develop a regular and enjoyable reading habit. The campaign, being implemented by Samagra Shiksha Himachal Pradesh in collaboration with Room to Read India Trust, will continue across government primary schools until September 8.

The campaign will feature library-based activities, daily reading sessions, reading passports, creative writing, read-aloud sessions and reading reflection corners. Students will also be encouraged to share their thoughts on books and write short stories inspired by what they read.

A special 10-minute daily reading session will be conducted to strengthen reading fluency and cultivate a sustained reading culture. Digital multilingual storybooks will also be made available to students through QR codes shared via WhatsApp groups.

A nationwide **Read-a-thon** will be held on September 8 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, bringing together students, teachers, parents and community members for a collective reading activity. District-level programmes at DIETs and special events in schools will also be organised on International Literacy Day.

Education Minister Rohit Thakur said quality education remains a key priority of the state government and expressed confidence that the campaign would help revive students’ interest in reading and learning.

Samagra Shiksha Director **Rajesh Sharma said the initiative aims not only to develop regular reading habits but also to encourage children to reflect, express their ideas and develop creativity. The campaign is aligned with the objectives of the National Reading Campaign and the spirit of the **National Education Policy 2020.

The minister also flagged off a Samagra Shiksha staff bus, which will facilitate transportation for employees commuting to and from their offices.