GIO Goa Launches “Phirse Kitaab”: Igniting A Reading Revolution In Goa

Goa Khabar: Addressing the critical intersection of digital proliferation and declining literacy, the Girls Islamic Organization (GIO) Goa officially launched its statewide reading campaign, Phirse Kitaab, at Z Square Banquets on 7 December 2025. The initiative was formally inaugurated by Ms. Madeeha Khan, State President of GIO Goa, marking the commencement of a movement dedicated to restoring reflective thinking in an increasingly distracted era.

​The introductory address, delivered by GIO State Secretary Ms. Sharmin Khan, offered a comprehensive analysis of the psychological challenges confronting modern youth, specifically noting rising impulsivity and deteriorating attention spans. She posited that excessive screen time has effectively replaced the depth of traditional reading with “shallow learning,” leading to widespread emotional restlessness. Drawing from historical precedent, Ms. Khan reminded the assembly that literacy has historically served as the catalyst for social reform and civilizational progress, functioning as an essential intellectual and moral discipline.

​Data presented during the session underscored the urgency of the campaign, highlighting a nationwide decline in non-academic engagement. Current statistics indicate a steady drop in library memberships and reveal that children now spend less than ten minutes daily on voluntary reading. Furthermore, over 60% of urban youth struggle to engage with long-form text without distraction, reflecting a trend where reading is increasingly misperceived as an activity reserved for the academic elite.

​In a compelling keynote address titled “Why Goa Needs to Read Again,” Ms. Anwesha Singbal, News Director at The Voice For Goem, discussed Goa’s venerable intellectual legacy. She asserted that the erosion of reading habits directly compromises creativity and civic awareness, calling upon young Goans to reclaim books as instruments of social empowerment.

​Professional perspectives were contributed by Dr. Leanne Bragança, a periodontist, and Ms. Sanaa Khatib, a software engineer. Both speakers detailed how consistent reading served as a cornerstone for their emotional resilience and professional confidence. Following these testimonials, the campaign’s operational infrastructure – including the establishment of Reading Clubs and Learning Circles, was introduced by Campaign Convenor Ms. Shadab Bepari. This framework aims to provide structured, collaborative spaces designed to break digital isolation through shared inquiry.

​The program concluded with a charge from Mr. Asif Hussain, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Goa. He emphasized that meaningful social transformation is predicated upon building individuals capable of rigorous reasoning and reflection – traits most effectively nurtured through books.

The event reinforces GIO Goa’s commitment to its foundational mission: “A Nation That Reads, A Generation That Leads.”