Mumbai : neOwn, an app-based children’s book rental platform, organised ‘READ with neOwn’, a community-led reading initiative that brought together over 100 children at the Kidz World Expo, World Trade Center, Mumbai, on the occasion of World Book Day.
The event saw participation from children aged 5 to 14, along with parents, who engaged in a collective silent reading session aimed at encouraging focus, imagination and deeper engagement with books amid rising digital distractions.
The initiative transformed a public venue into a structured reading environment, where participants spent dedicated time reading books of their choice. The format underscored the role of physical spaces and peer-driven settings in fostering reading habits among young audiences.
“There is a growing perception that children are moving away from books. However, initiatives like ‘READ with neOwn’ demonstrate that when provided with the right environment and community, children respond positively to reading,” said Kranti Gada, Founder, neOwn.
She added that parents are increasingly seeking alternatives that promote mindful engagement and reduce screen dependency. “Reading remains one of the most effective ways to build focus and cognitive engagement, and our efforts are directed at making it more accessible and aspirational,” Gada said.
As part of the programme, young authors from BriBooks interacted with participants, sharing their writing journeys and encouraging early creative expression among children. The event also included the ‘Million Readers Movement’ pledge, a social initiative by neOwn aimed at encouraging one million individuals to adopt regular reading habits.
The initiative comes at a time when concerns around children’s screen time continue to grow, positioning reading as a viable alternative rooted in concentration and community participation.
Currently, neOwn serves over 10,000 families across more than 340 cities through curated book subscriptions, reading challenges, workshops and a parent community ecosystem designed to strengthen reading habits among children. The ‘READ with neOwn’ initiative reflects the company’s broader strategy to build a culture of reading through both digital access and on-ground community engagement.