In Nalgonda, an elderly man named Katta Ram Reddy is setting an example for young people by spending five to six hours a day reading books. While many youths are obsessed with social media, Ram Reddy is encouraging them to pick up a book instead.
Ram Reddy, who is now in his eighties, grew up in Silamiyagudem and studied until 10th grade in the 1960s. He became a farmer and eventually leased out his 10 acres of land due to his age. Now, he is taken care of by his sister-in-law. After going through a divorce, he turned to books as a way to immerse himself in a different world. He reads scriptures and epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavatham. He also keeps up with current events by reading newspapers and magazines. Despite his age, Ram Reddy has excellent eyesight and doesn’t need glasses to read. He follows a traditional diet to maintain his health.
Ram Reddy believes that reading books has helped him stay mentally healthy. He feels disappointed that most young people today ignore books and spend their time on social media and websites. He fondly remembers the days when he and his friends would share books and learn from each other’s knowledge. He strongly urges young people to read biographies of successful individuals and learn about important historical events. According to Ram Reddy, books are a wonderful way to gain knowledge and broaden one’s perspective.
