KPIT Cummins Blog

KPIT Cummins' Saumya Menon considers the Reading vs. Television debate – which one should come out on top? Do actions really speak louder than written words?

Photo: Allyssa Milan

We all know the old proverb, about a picture being worth a thousand words. Television, which uses moving images rather than text, has become a major medium for exactly this reason. Visuals tend to leave a long-lasting impression on our brains - many would argue that reading just can’t match up. Facts bounce quickly and uniformly off the TV screen; reading a description of the same event could register very differently. So, in light of all this, does reading still have a place? Of course it does!

When you enjoy your favorite book, even when you scan the newspapers over breakfast, the scope of your imagination is immense. Your mind is kept busy exploring, imagining, and making new connections. The written word gives you more depth, detail, and description because it’s powered entirely by you.

‘The book was so much better’ – how many times have you heard that at the cinema? Obviously, films and novels are very different things, and there are lots of reasons why a movie adaptation might not meet expectations. Reading means involving yourself in the story, for much longer than just a few hours. We can’t deny the fact that reading is an enduring entertainment. It may not be the ‘easy’ option, but it really does have the most power.

It’s important that children are encouraged to discover this. They might want to see their favorite comic on TV rather than reading the same story, but the rewards for turning a page instead of pressing a button are immense. The knowledge gained will be inherently more beneficial to their development, and reading has no limits. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone making sense of those morning papers, being ‘well read’ is always an advantage.

Of course, TV has its place, and isn’t a bad habit if it’s kept within limits and the content is right. It just shouldn’t become an addiction. Technology makes things faster and easier – the challenge is putting it to good use.

In short, we need to strike the balance. Make the most of every story-telling, information-sharing medium available to you, because all have their benefits. Just don’t forget about reading - it has the capacity to stretch your mind so much further.