Today, there is a lot of talk about the internet replacing books. I beg to differ. This is not possible.
The internet is certainly easily accessible-to those fortunate enough to live in cities. In a vast country like India, where lakhs of people do not have electric connections, the very thought of the internet replacing books is laughable. Besides, it is a well known fact that easily accessible things are generally not very valuable!
Yes, the internet may save time, but at what cost? Continuous exposure to the computer screen affects our eyes and our health. Is it really worth it? The internet provides ready information, no doubt, but this also means that it does not allow the imagination of the reader to grow. It retards creativity. It makes research seem unnecessary. It is economical, but how authentic are some of the inputs? How much of what is given on the internet is verified? It is true that it is a storehouse of information, but much of it is repetitive and unverified Besides, books have a feel and smell that can never be replaced by e-books. No, the internet can supplement books but can never replace books.
