Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Reading and Critical Thinking Remain Essential in the AI Age
A college held a special event about why reading still matters.
Dr Rajata P Shetty spoke about reading in a world with Google and artificial intelligence.
She said computers can find information and give answers quickly.
However, reading helps people decide whether information is meaningful, truthful and useful.
It also improves attention, imagination, vocabulary and communication.
She encouraged students to read for at least 20 minutes every day.
She said AI should help learning rather than control it.
The event also included speeches and prizes for competition winners.
National Library Day was observed at Alva’s Degree College in Moodbidri.
Dr Rajata P Shetty said reading builds judgment beyond Google and AI answers.
She urged students to read for at least 20 minutes daily.
She advised using artificial intelligence as a learning companion, not an enemy.
Prizes were awarded to winners of the college’s Library Day competitions.
- Who
- Dr Rajata P Shetty spoke, with Vivek Alva presiding over the event.
- What
- A National Library Day session titled “The Necessity of Reading Even in the Google-AI Age” was held, followed by prizes for Library Day competitions.
- When
- The gathering took place on a Thursday during National Library Day observance.
- Where
- Kuvempu auditorium at Alva’s Degree College in Moodbidri.
- Why
- The session emphasized reading’s role in developing critical thinking, independent judgment and responsible use of artificial intelligence.
- Event
- National Library Day observance
- Session title
- “The Necessity of Reading Even in the Google-AI Age”
- Speaker
- Dr Rajata P Shetty, chief librarian of SDM Engineering College
- Recommended reading
- At least 20 minutes every day
- Venue
- Kuvempu auditorium, Alva’s Degree College, Moodbidri
- Presiding official
- Vivek Alva, trustee of Alva’s Education Foundation
- Additional activities
- Library Day competition prizes were awarded