Kulgam: At 95 years of age, a resident of Khudwani, Tahab Chalo, stands as a living testament to how discipline, consistency, and the habit of reading can shape an entire lifetime.
Having been associated with the KMD Association of Kulgam since 1978, he has maintained an extraordinary routine—reading newspapers daily since 1957.
For him, newspapers have not merely been sheets of printed text; they have been a guide, a teacher, and a faithful companion through decades of change.
Newspapers: A Better Teacher Than BooksReflecting on more than sixty years of reading, he firmly believes that newspapers are often better teachers than many books. “A newspaper contains everything—current affairs, world news, local developments, opinions, and information on every subject,” he says with pride.
For just a few rupees, a reader gains access to a vast world of knowledge. He encourages everyone, especially the youth, to cultivate the habit of buying and reading newspapers daily.A Reliable Source in an Age of MisinformationIn today’s digital age—where social media is flooded with unverified claims, rumors, and misleading content—he stresses the importance of relying on credible sources. “We cannot always trust what we see online,” he cautions.
Newspapers, with their editorial checks and fact-verification processes, continue to be a dependable and trustworthy medium for accurate news.
This, he believes, is what preserves their value even as the world rapidly moves toward digital consumption.
Knowledge, Mental Strength, and Peace of MindFor him, newspapers have been a source of mental energy and intellectual enrichment.
Daily reading keeps his mind fresh and connected with the world beyond his village. On days when he misses his newspaper, he feels a deep sense of sadness and unease—evidence of the strong emotional bond he has developed with the habit.
“Reading brings peace, clarity, and discipline,” he says, emphasizing how it has strengthened his ability to think, reason, and stay informed.Staying Young Through Reading and WalkingThough he is 95, many people remark that he appears much younger.
He attributes this to two lifelong habits: reading and walking. Since childhood, he has maintained a routine of walking 4 kilometers every morning and another 4 kilometers every evening. This simple yet powerful regimen, combined with his commitment to reading, has kept both his body and mind active. “Exercise is a must for everyone,” he insists—advice he has followed faithfully for decades.
A Message to the Younger GenerationHe urges the youth to spend less time on mobile phones and more time reading newspapers.
“A newspaper is a treasure of knowledge—100 times better than scrolling on a phone,” he says. Whatever he has learned throughout his long life, he shares with others, hoping to inspire the next generation to embrace the culture of reading.His life is a reminder that small, consistent habits—like reading daily and walking regularly—can pave the way for a lifetime of wisdom, strength, discipline, and good health.