“For the very first time since he learnt to read. My son picked up a story book yesterday and said, “Mom, I am gonna read this now.” I was cajoling him to study, to do his pending work when he threw this at me. Being concerned about his studies I wanted to tell him, “No! You do your homework first; you can read that book later.” But the realization that he had picked up a book on his own to read just stopped me from reacting. I sat there quietly observing him. trying to contain my excitement, when I noticed the book, he wanted to read. He had picked up Geronimo Stilton’s The Quest for Paradise (This series is his elder sister’s favorite) The caring, protective “Mother hen” in me woke up and yet again I wanted to stop him and say, “Beta, you won’t be able to read this, it’s a higher level”, but I stopped myself and just observed. He opened the hardcover book, slowly read the first page which I was in awe of his innocence wondering that my 8-year-old doesn’t even know how to read or what pages to read in a story book. At the same time, I felt proud at his efforts. Before he struggled too much and lost interest I intervened (finally!) and said, “Not this page dear, start reading from here”

He didn’t say a word and quietly delved into the story. Time and again he would pop up his head and spell out a word to ask its pronunciation or meaning but otherwise he was totally engrossed and lost in the story. He read about 25 novel pages in half hour.

Thank you, GD Goenka, for instilling this interest for reading in my little one. This is a moment to remember for a lifetime. Together we create memories.”