Thane: Even though paperback and hard-bound books have always had a special place in the hearts of avid readers, e-book readers have picked up steam among the youth.On the occasion of World Book Day , which is being observed on Sunday, TOI speaks to young readers, academicians and even authors about why e-books have become more popular among the youth, even though they feel that reading actual books is still preferable.The digital world of reading—be it kindle, tab or even mobile—youngsters have started taking up this platform due to their hectic and busy schedule.Earlier, many youngsters used to refrain from reading as the books were too big and heavy to carry around. But now, reading a book is on everyones' fingertips. They can browse through short stories, poems and even novels."My father is an avid reader but his entire bookshelf is filled with heavy books . So, I was really not interested in reading them. However, I would often read short stories on my phone. As my father and I didn't have the same taste in books, he gifted me a e-book reader on my birthday, last year. Since then, I have read over 50 e-books on different genre, including adventure, fiction and theology," said Sarika Kelkar (20), a Naupada resident.While the youth have switched over to e-book readers, the old timers still feel that holding a book in their hand and reading has a completely different feeling.Ranjini Krishnaswami, principal of a city-based International High School, is an avid reader but prefers to read a novel from a book rather than an electronic device. "I love reading. But I need to have a book in front of me. It is a different feeling . However, this being said, my hectic schedules and amount of time I spend on travelling doesn't give me the liberty to carry heavy books. So, at times I am forced to carry an e-book reader. I feel that technology is a huge part of the future, and if we are moving to an era of virtual and hi-tech classrooms, we should welcome the trending e-reading as well."Meanwhile, 24-year-old author Mohit Uppal feels that even though electronic media has developed, book lovers will still purchase their favourite book and add it to their collection.

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