President Shavkat Mirziyoyev inaugurated the National Reading Movement at a ceremony at the International Congress Center in Tashkent, highlighting the development of reading culture as a key priority for New Uzbekistan.

The head of state emphasized that in an era of rapid technological change, the ability to think independently—cultivated through reading—is becoming increasingly valuable. According to him, a reading person possesses deep and healthy thinking and can influence societal development.

Several initiatives in this direction are already underway. Since 2017, the "Young Book Lover" contest has engaged millions of young people, while the "Young Reading Family" program promotes reading culture at home. This year, three winners of the republican stage of the "Young Book Lover" contest received cars as awards.

The new movement will serve as a systematic continuation of these efforts. The final stage of the program will now be held annually at the presidential level. The total prize fund amounts to $240,000, with the winner receiving $50,000—the largest award in the country's history for supporting reading.

The initiative is reportedly inspired by international experience, particularly the "Arab Reading Challenge" program implemented in the United Arab Emirates. However, the movement will be developed based on national spiritual and scientific heritage.

Students from grades 1 to 11 across the country can participate. The project aims to strengthen reading culture in schools, families, and society as a whole, as well as to form a new generation focused on knowledge and creativity.

The president stressed that he views this initiative as a strategic investment in the country's future: national development is impossible without a solid foundation of knowledge, spiritual heritage, and modern technology.

Additionally, plans include opening libraries, book cafes, and bookstores on tourist and popular city streets.

Source: podrobno.uz