Reading is the basic skill for a new generation of scientists, intellectuals, researchers and innovators. Similar to 2015’s announcement of a ‘Year of Innovation’ initiative, everyone is encouraged to read and make it a daily action not only to Emiratis, but the whole UAE.
Following the contention that reading is neglected, especially by the younger generation, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayan, President fo the UAE, as quoted in the Gulf News, declared 2016 the “Year of Reading”. In support of this initiative Amity University Dubai (AUD) Librarian, Mr Santhosh Goud, conceptualised a reading campaign spearheaded by a video and followed with many activities throughout the year.
These activities will include a “Collect-a-book” drive to be carried out from February 29 until the end of March, 2016, in collaboration with the university departments; a series of “Book Talks” and “Book Fairs” which are lined-up for the entire year and aimed at encouraging youth and adults to embrace a love of reading.
In addition, Amity University Dubai is organising a book donation project, which is not merely focused on its own students, faculty and staff, but also encompasses the whole of Dubai International Academic City (DIAC). This project will not only tap into the generosity and resources of other schools and universities within the area, but also the different companies surrounding them. The collected books will be given to the Abu Dhabi Police for distribution in one of their reading-drive projects directed towards inmates.
