Unlocking Opportunities Through Reading Habits

The guest lecture on “Unlocking Opportunities through Reading Habits” was organized by the Library and Information Centre in association with the School of Law, School of Business and Management (BBA), and the Readers’ Club at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, on 17th October 2025. The session featured Dr. Rajendra Kumbhar, Ex-Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), as the distinguished speaker. The event was conducted in two sessions — from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the Auditorium, Management Block, and from 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM at the Auditorium, Central Block. The lecture was part of the university’s initiative to promote reading culture among students and to celebrate Reading Inspiration Day in honour of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, highlighting how reading habits can open pathways to personal, academic, and professional growth. Dr. Kumbhar began his session by emphasizing the transformative power of reading in shaping one’s academic and professional journey. 

The session further delved into the importance of avoiding procrastination, which Dr. Kumbhar identified as one of the main obstacles to developing effective reading habits. He advised students to start small—by setting daily reading goals and gradually increasing reading time—to build consistency. He encouraged them to treat reading as a joyful and purposeful activity rather than an academic obligation. Drawing on examples from his own experience as a researcher and educator, Dr. Kumbhar illustrated how reading not only enhances intellectual capacity but also builds empathy and cultural awareness through commemorating Dr. Kalam’s vision of knowledge and lifelong learning.

In a highly engaging segment, Dr. Kumbhar shared a list of around 30 recommended books across diverse genres, including personal development, literature, management, and philosophy. These book suggestions ranged from timeless classics to contemporary works, providing students with a roadmap for holistic self-development. He also spoke about strategies for selecting meaningful reading materials, managing time effectively, and using digital resources responsibly to supplement traditional reading. The interactive nature of the session kept students attentive and reflective throughout.

Many participants expressed that the lecture encouraged them to rekindle their interest in reading and approach it as a lifelong learning tool. The session concluded with an open discussion, where Dr. Kumbhar addressed students’ queries about how to maintain reading motivation amidst academic and digital distractions.

Overall, the event successfully met its objective of promoting reading as a gateway to personal and professional excellence. It resonated with the university’s mission to nurture well-rounded individuals through critical inquiry, self-discipline, and intellectual curiosity. The session not only motivated students to integrate reading into their daily routines but also reinforced the idea that reading is not just a habit, but a powerful opportunity to unlock one’s full potential.