Kochi June 17 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged people to give a book instead of a bouquet as a greeting saying there is no joy greater than reading and no strength greater than knowledge.
Speaking at the launch of P.N. Panicker National Reading Day celebrations in Kerala s capital Kochi Modi said the state had been an inspiration to whole nation in achieving high literacy rate.
Kerala has been a torchbearer and inspiration to the whole nation in the field of literacy he said also urging the youth to take the pledge of reading.
Together we can once again make India a land of wisdom and knowledge Modi said adding: I appeal to people to give a book instead of bouquet as a greeting. Such a move can make a big difference.
There can be no joy greater than reading and no strength greater than knowledge. Kerala had been an inspiration to the whole nation in literacy he added.
--IANS
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Gift a book, not bouquet, as greeting: Modi