ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Education minister Pasang Dorjee Sona on Friday urged journalists to cultivate the habit of reading to enhance their professional skills.Inaugurating a new library block at the Arunachal Press Club (APC) here, Sona, emphasized the importance of developing reading habits from an early age.”Reading not only broadens the mind but also equips professionals with the knowledge necessary to excel in their fields,” Sona said, underscoring the value of staying informed, particularly in the media profession.He expressed hope that the new library would serve as a key resource for journalists, promoting a culture of continuous learning within the press community. “This library block is expected to become a hub for journalists eager to expand their knowledge and stay updated on current affairs, thereby contributing to the quality of journalism in the state,” Sona said.Information and Public Relations (IPR) secretary Nyali Ete, in his address, recommended digitizing the new library to make it more accessible to all. He also called on journalists to maintain ethical standards in their reporting. “I have high expectations from the scribes in the state. Please be ethical while disseminating news,” Ete said, highlighting the importance of responsible journalism.Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) president Y D Thongchi, a Padma Shri awardee, praised the APC as one of the best in the country. He expressed gratitude to the state government for providing the necessary funds to construct the new building and suggested that APC leaders acquire books on various tribes from the state research department to enrich the library’s collection.Earlier, APC president Dodum Yangfo reflected on the press club’s growth from its modest beginnings in a small building to its current site. He informed that the new library would offer a wide range of books on diverse subjects and be open to all club members, including students from mass communication departments of various colleges and universities. Yangfo also announced plans to organize periodic reading sessions with the support of APLS.The day also saw Sona, Thongchi, Ete, Smart City Itanagar CEO Dahey Sangno and Padma Shri Mamang Dai being inducted as honorary members of the APC.Also present at the occasion were Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) president Amar Sangno, general secretary Sonam Jelly, vice president Ranju Dodum, APC general secretary Damien Lepcha, vice-president Bengia Ajum, senior journalists and representatives from media houses across the state. (With inputs from PTI)