CRC Group and Delhi Times host “Let’s Bring Back the Joy of Reading” in New Delhi

The Delhi-NCR chapter brought authors, educators, business leaders and readers together to explore reading’s place in a changing world.

CRC Group, in association with Delhi Times, hosted “Let’s Bring Back the Joy of Reading – Delhi-NCR Chapter” at The Leela Palace, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The gathering brought together authors, educators, publishing professionals, business leaders and members of the reading community to discuss how books can nurture learning, creativity and character in an increasingly digital world.

The initiative seeks to rekindle the joy of reading and encourage people across generations to make books an integral part of their everyday lives. At a time when digital platforms and short-form content are influencing how people consume information, the programme highlighted the enduring relevance of books in developing knowledge, curiosity, imagination and independent thinking.


The programme opened with a welcome address by Anshul Chaturvedi, Executive Editor, Times of India Metro Supplements. Salil Kumar, Director, CRC Group, delivered the opening note, introducing the vision behind the initiative and its focus on making reading a more active and engaging part of everyday life.

The keynote session featured Gul Panag, Indian Actress, and Kunal Bhalla, Founder & CEO, CRC Group. Their discussion centred on the importance of nurturing a culture of reading among younger generations and encouraging them to develop a lasting relationship with books. The conversation also highlighted the role of families, educators and communities in creating an environment where reading is encouraged as a learning experience and a source of enjoyment.

Screenwriter and author Advaita Kala led an interactive storytelling session, engaging the audience through an exploration of the art of stories. The session highlighted how narratives can bring ideas to life, connect people through shared experiences and introduce readers to perspectives beyond their immediate surroundings.

Exploring the future of reading

Two panel discussions formed the core of the programme, bringing together perspectives from education, publishing, business and literature.

The first panel discussion, “E-Books, Paperbacks and The Future of Reading,” examined how changing formats and evolving consumer preferences are influencing reading habits and the publishing ecosystem. Moderated by Ajay Jain, Founder, Kunzum Books, the panel featured Dr Anupam Sibal, Author and Group Medical Director, Apollo Hospitals Group; Bijayalaxmi Nanda, Author and Principal of Miranda House, DU; Sneha Misran, Co-Founder, Kitaab Club; Arvind Chatterjee, Digital Creator; Armaan Farid, Author; Shubhra Saxena, IAS & Author; and Ajay Mago, Owner, Om Bookshop.

The discussion explored how readers discover books, engage with content, and adapt to changing formats. It also highlighted the importance of encouraging sustained reading in an environment where information is increasingly consumed in shorter, more fragmented forms. While digital platforms have expanded access to literature and information, books continue to offer opportunities for deeper engagement, reflection and learning.

The panel also underscored the importance of making reading accessible across age groups and backgrounds. Encouraging readers to explore different genres and formats can help them discover their interests, broaden their knowledge and develop reading habits that remain relevant throughout their lives.

Beyond the classroom: How books shape character, creativity and the leaders of tomorrow

The second panel discussion explored the role of reading in education, personal development and the cultivation of future leaders. Moderated by Namrata Kohli, Writer, Journalist and Author, the panel featured AD Singh, MD, Founder, Olive Group of Restaurants; Muktesh Kumar Pardeshi, Former Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador; Poonam Singh Jamwal, Chief Business Officer, Extramarks; Prasenjit K Basu, Author and Chief Economist; Sheba Thapar, Founder Director, Sacredstep School; Ranjan Pal, Travel Writer; Ashwinder R.Singh, Chairman, CII Committee; and Atima Mankotia, Professor, IILM.

The discussion examined how reading can contribute to the development of curiosity, imagination, empathy and critical thinking. Beyond academic learning, books expose readers to different experiences, cultures and ideas, encouraging them to question assumptions and approach unfamiliar situations with greater understanding.

For children and young adults, reading can complement classroom education by creating opportunities for exploration and independent discovery. Stories, biographies, historical accounts and other forms of literature introduce readers to new ideas while encouraging them to develop their own perspectives. These experiences can help build confidence, stimulate creativity and strengthen the ability to understand different viewpoints.

The conversation also highlighted the relevance of reading in developing qualities essential for effective leadership. As professional and social environments become increasingly complex, the ability to interpret information, think critically and consider diverse perspectives remains important. Reading can help cultivate these abilities by encouraging reflection, sustained attention and deeper engagement with ideas.

The panel further emphasised that building a reading habit extends beyond schools and educational institutions. Families, communities and workplaces can all contribute to creating an environment in which books are valued, and reading is encouraged as a rewarding part of everyday life.

Reconnecting communities through books

The Delhi-NCR chapter reflects a broader effort to bring reading back into everyday conversations and encourage people to rediscover the pleasure of engaging with books. By bringing together participants from diverse professional and creative backgrounds, the initiative created a platform to exchange ideas on literature, education and the evolving relationship between readers and books.

The programme highlighted the importance of collective participation in building a stronger reading culture. Conversations involving authors, educators, business leaders and readers can introduce audiences to new genres, encourage the exchange of recommendations and make literature more accessible to people who may not have an established reading habit.

For younger audiences in particular, exposure to books beyond prescribed academic material can open up opportunities for learning and self-discovery. Reading can help children and young adults explore new interests, understand different experiences and develop a broader appreciation of the world around them.

The initiative's focus on reading as a lifelong habit also recognises that books remain relevant at every stage of life. Whether pursued for professional development, personal enrichment or recreation, reading offers opportunities to learn, reflect and engage with ideas in meaningful ways.

Building a lasting reading culture

The programme concluded with closing remarks by Salil Kumar, Director, CRC Group, followed by lunch and networking among attendees. The gathering reinforced the central message of the initiative: books continue to play an important role in shaping individuals and communities, even as the ways in which people access information evolve.

Through “Let’s Bring Back the Joy of Reading,” CRC Group and Delhi Times, with ICCPL Group as the PR partner, created a forum for meaningful conversations about literature, education and the future of reading. The Delhi-NCR chapter brought together diverse perspectives to explore how reading can remain relevant across generations, formats and settings.

Building a stronger reading culture requires sustained encouragement, access to books and opportunities for people to discover the enjoyment of reading for themselves. The initiative reinforces the belief that reading is more than a means of acquiring information. It is a way to explore new ideas, develop imagination and cultivate a lifelong appetite for learning.

As the programme's closing thought aptly captured its spirit, “Books build a better tomorrow.”