Srinagar, July 16, July 17 -- Stressing the transformative power of reading, National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) Director Dr. Shams Iqbal said that placing a book in the hands of every young person can change destinies, nurture informed minds and build responsible citizens. Speaking at a literary programme aimed at promoting reading culture among youth, Dr. Iqbal said that books are not merely a source of knowledge but powerful instruments for character building, critical thinking and social transformation."A book in every young hand can change destiny and build better citizens," he said, urging educational institutions, parents and society to encourage reading as a lifelong habit.He expressed concern over the declinin...