Pick A Book (PAB) is an initiative driven by Epitom Digital which seeks to nurture and revitalise reading in community by not only encouraging the habit but also sharing it with like-minded persons. We managed to catch up with Ragulan Tharmakulasingam, the Founder and Director of Pick A Book and Epitom Digital, who explained to us the intentions and inner workings of the Pick A Book initiative.
Q: How would you describe Pick A Book to those not in the know? What is the goal of this initiative?
A: Pick A Book is a social movement dedicated to nurture the habit of reading among the people. Our vision is to bring about a change among all the participants where they can journey through books while discovering themselves a little more through the wonders of literature. Our goal is to inspire change, one book at a time.
We have four categories of people and all of them can benefit from Pick A Book. This platform helps nonreaders who need encouragement to start reading, inspires readers to read even more, offers readers a platform to share what they read and gives tips on personal development for those who are not interested in reading. PAB is a platform for all and is now a social movement in three countries: Sri Lanka, India and Singapore. We hope to bring back the lost art of social interaction while rekindling a love for books and reading through the initiative.
Q: How would a typical session function? Does the structure change between sessions for employees and sessions for the public or children?
A: Pick A Book has five segments - PAB Clubs, PAB Juniors, PAB Communities, PAB Corporates and PAB Schools and Universities. These five club segments, which cater to a specific target audience, have a structured agenda. As a book club-cum-social interaction platform, every PAB session functions under the structure of having presenters to present a book followed by social interactions while bringing everyone together under the common banner of love for books. The objective of the reader is to encourage the participants to read books while benefiting from its many lessons, stories and inspiration.
Q: Why and how did things get started in the first place? How has Epitom Digital benefited from the Pick A Book initiative?
A: Pick A Book started off at Epitom as an internal exercise. Today, it has grown to be a different venture. As an avid reader myself, I always believe that we need to read more because in all fairness, we just cannot read enough. Even if you have read a thousand books, there are an infinite number more to benefit from.
We started off the model merely as an exercise within our team, but it quickly picked up in popularity among the public when we started going public with our sessions. We also conducted a few junior sessions and it became a success. Companies also welcomed our concept and me, together with KVT Ramesh, a visionary leader and co-founder brainstormed the idea and structured it accordingly.
Q: How does the initiative encourage nonreaders to pick up reading? How can it benefit those who are already avid readers?
A: You become the person you associate with. When you associate with readers, you will inevitably become a reader yourself. This is particularly true when you meet readers on a weekly basis and when the presenters inspire everyone in the room by their apt presentation of the book which just gives that push and motivation nonreaders need to get themselves into the habit of reading.
PAB sessions are a testament to that - we have many members who were previously nonreaders.
This initiative serves as a platform for readers to share their knowledge and inspire everyone to read the book they have read themselves.
Q: Considering how books have fallen off in recent times as a popular medium, have you ever found difficulty in drumming up interest for your events? Have any similar issues popped up in organising a session?
A: Not at all. While it’s true that books are not as popular now as they were a decade or two ago, people are aware of the importance of reading. They just need to tap into that by allowing someone to inspire them to get into the habit of reading. As they say ‘Reading maketh a man’, it really does. Reading offers a new perspective into life. It has the power to change an individual. Changing an individual sets the course to changing society, which in turn will lead to change in the country and soon become a global movement.
We have three clubs with a community of readers and the word is spreading fast as participants witness a change in themselves and in their lives. We are glad that people have started reading. Many attendees have even spoken about how they have changed their business strategies after attending our sessions. With every session, participants will learn something new and this inspires positive changes as the community works towards inspiring each other.
Q: How does Pick A Book differ from an average book club? What benefits do you provide attendees beyond the session itself?
A: We differ from an average book club mainly due to the fact that we are a social movement that encourages people to read more and contribute to a better society. One of the benefits of PAB is that it gives global connectivity to readers. It brings many opportunities for readers to step up confidently in other clubs, companies, schools and universities. Our readers get the chance of performing in Readathlons where they gain encouragement to read more and inspire more people to do so as well. Through our PAB portal, participants can gain access to global readers while getting the chance to be part of different clubs, companies and other PAB events.
Q: How are the books or the general themes of each session decided? Have there been times of certain books or themes being too unpopular or ended up popular?
A: We have no restrictions on book selections, except in three areas: politics, controversial topics and those related to sexuality. Readers have the liberty to select the book of their choice and present it. However, the club coach may guide them to pick better books.
A common interest topic is what drives more newcomers to the club meetings. Topics covered include everything from love and relationships to business, leadership, fiction and much more.
Q: How has the Covid-19 outbreak affected Pick A Book and its related events?
A: Ironically, Pick A Book now has a better reach in the midst of Covid-19. While we talk about social interactions, all PAB sessions now take place online. We have done PAB sessions for over 1,000 participants in Sri Lanka and India in April. This situation also means that people are looking to spend their time more wisely. Getting into the habit of reading has become a trend.
Besides regular sessions, PAB held two webinars which became a resounding success. One was a webinar based on three books as presented by three panellists followed by a discussion with the members and the other was an interactive session with Captain Elmo on how to write your own book. Both these online sessions were attended by over 100 participants. We conducted PAB Junior and PAB companies sessions, given that this is a crucial time for organisations in particular and since doing something for 21 days builds a habit and for 90 days, it can become a lifestyle change. We are glad to help people contribute and develop positive habits.
Q: Has going online benefited Pick A Book? Would it be likely for online sessions to continue even after the Covid-19 outbreak?
A: Yes, going online has been beneficial. We will go back to doing the offline sessions but as long as the Covid-19 situation remains, we will continue to have our online sessions.
Q: What advice would you give to those interested in putting together something like this?
A: Push towards a great cause. If the “why” of your cause is good enough, you can rest assured that it will work. If the purpose of an event or activity is to contribute towards a better society, then work towards it and success will follow.
