A workshop on reading English newspapers was organised to foster a culture of reading and improve linguistic proficiency among the youth at the VMRDA Children’s Arena on Saturday (June 13, 2026). The event witnessed a large turnout of high school students accompanied by their parents and teachers.

Senior IRS officer Ravi Kiran Edara, who served as the chief mentor for the session, highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the habit. “Reading a newspaper daily is akin to taking a multivitamin tablet,” he remarked, observing that the practice not only enhances English proficiency but also keeps students well-informed about current affairs. He emphasized that such awareness is a vital component in developing social responsibility among the youth, which he described as a crucial stepping stone toward achieving “Viksit Bharat.”

Mr. Edara advocated for a practical approach over rote learning. He stressed that a strong foundation in one’s mother tongue is essential for mastering other languages, including English. “Rather than obsessing over grammar, students should focus on actively reading and listening to quality content, such as books, newspapers, and documentaries,” he advised.

Drawing a parallel with artificial intelligence, he explained that the human brain is wired to learn through pattern recognition in sentences, much like the training mechanisms of AI models, rather than by strictly adhering to abstract grammatical rules.

The workshop featured an interactive segment where children participated by reading aloud from sample newspaper clippings. This was followed by lively discussions on vocabulary, with participants exploring the nuances and contextual usage of challenging words.

Bal Vikas Foundation Honorary Secretary Prakash Rao and VMRDA Chief Administrative Officer Hariprasad stated that the initiative was conducted under the guidance of VMRDA Chairperson M.V. Pranav Gopal and Metropolitan Commissioner N. Tej Bharath.