Yogi urges children to read books, reduce screen time
Padma Shri awardee Dr BK Modi slams celebrities for promoting misleading advertisements
'Celebrities promote products without knowing the consequences'
New Delhi: Padma Shri awardee and renowned yoga guru Dr BK Modi has urged children to pick up books instead of spending excessive time on electronic gadgets. He emphasized the significance of reading in a child's holistic development and well-being. Speaking at an event organized by the Bhartiya Shiksha Vikas Samiti in Delhi, Dr Modi lamented the growing trend of children spending countless hours on smartphones, tablets, and other screens. He cautioned that prolonged exposure to electronic devices can have detrimental effects on their physical, mental, and emotional health.Dr Modi, who is also the founder of the World Yoga Organization, highlighted the importance of developing a reading habit among children from a young age. He said reading expands their knowledge, improves their language skills, and enhances their creativity. Conversely, excessive screen time can lead to sedentary behavior, obesity, and sleep disorders.
He pointed out that excessive screen time can interfere with children's sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and daytime fatigue. Moreover, he raised concerns about the impact of social media on children's mental health. "Children are constantly exposed to unrealistic and often unattainable images on social media, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem," he said.
Dr Modi strongly advised parents to limit their children's screen time and encourage them to participate in outdoor activities and engage in creative pursuits such as reading, painting, and playing musical instruments. He urged schools to incorporate reading programs into their curriculum and create designated reading spaces within their premises.
In a separate development, Dr Modi criticized celebrities for promoting misleading advertisements. He expressed concern that celebrities often endorse products without fully understanding their potential consequences or side effects. "Celebrities have a huge influence on the public, especially children, and they should be more responsible in their endorsements," he said.
Dr Modi urged celebrities to be mindful of the ethical implications of their actions and to ensure that they do not promote products that are harmful or deceptive. He also appealed to advertising agencies and regulatory bodies to implement stricter guidelines to prevent the spread of misleading advertisements.
