Niharika Sharma: Whether one sees it as a source of entertainment or wisdom, both cinema and books play a pivotal role in shaping life.
A 12- year- old boy from my neighborhood once asked- “Have you watched Harry Potter movies?”I said, “No, but I’ve read them”. He was astonished as he had no idea that Harry Potter movies were based on JK Rowling’s book.
“Reading a book must be boring, right? You should’ve watched movie instead”. He said.
Unlike him, there are many youngsters today who aren’t familiar with reading. Watching movie isn’t a bad thing but missing out on the unique experience and mindful pleasure that reading gives- that’s not great either.
A 2014 study suggests around 75℅ people prefer movies over books. That’s a big number.
Youngsters and movie mania-
As said earlier, movies or web series (any kind of cinema) could be considered a good source of entertainment in a light hearted manner. No wonder the young generation is drawn towards it.
Just like a coin has two sides, there are people like Ashi, a 20-year old graduate who told me she prefers books over movies because she connects more deeply with the story.
Decline of reading habits in youngsters-
Textbooks and academic education have somehow created an environment where reading seems like an educational skill, yet it’s a whole life skill.
Young generation are often not introduced to books as a mindful hobby like dance, or music, etc. Moreover, apart from how books and habit of reading is introduced to them, they simultaneously fail to choose what their genre is.
“Reading books requires use of large number of brain areas” said Nicola Morgan ( author & Speaker) in her article.
Why read when you can watch?
As fun and casual watching cinema is, reading is quite an intellectual skill.
When a person reads a book, their brain functions more efficiently.
The brain undergoes several thoughts, insights and imaginations created by the book’s story.
“Books are the power to boost up one’s imagination”.
So, the battle between movies and books continues among youngsters. Both have their own charm, indeed. A good film can entertain, but a good book could transform.
Let’s encourage the younger ones to keep the magic of both worlds alive.