Noted English writer Ruskin Bond today urged schools to encourage reading habits among the student community in order to improve their writing and communication skills.
"Although lot of students have shown good writing skills in the 'classmate young author contest' for which I was heading the jury, this group is only a minority. The reading habit should be encouraged both in schools and homes," Bond told PTI after distributing the awards to the winners here today.
"Unfortunately the examination system in the country is such that even teachers and parents discourage students from reading books other than text books which may not be a healthy sign for promoting good writing skills," the 72-year-old Bond said.
He also pointed out that "I keep meeting young students and I find that they are familiar with great writers and their works, but as I said this is only a minority."
On his latest book Funny side up, Bond said the funny incidents are highlighted in the book.
Speaking on the occasion, Chand Das, the Chief Executive of ITC greetings and stationary business said, "CYAC has emerged as a national platform for budding writers to demonstrate their skills."