Libraries have been considered a symbol of the collective consciousness and intellect of a country or society - President Droupadi Murmu
President Inaugurates Festival of Libraries, Showcasing
India's Journey as a Powerhouse of Knowledge
Festival of Libraries is a step towards the goal of making India a knowledge
superpower of the world-Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal
Government is committed to reaching every corner of the country,and
furthering the Prime Minister's vision for library development and encouraging
a culture of reading-Meenakashi Lekhi
The Ministry of Culture also launched Bibliography on Demand (BoD) service, a
timely and transformative intervention that promises to enhance the research
landscape in India
The President of India, Droupadi
Murmu inaugurated the unique ‘Festival of Libraries’ in New Delhi today. This
Festival has been organized by the Ministry of Culture with the aim to promote
the development and digitization of Libraries and cultivate the culture of
reading. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the development of
libraries is correlated to the development of society and culture. It is also a
measure of the progress of civilizations. She stated that history is full of
such references in which the invaders considered it necessary to destroy the
libraries. This shows that libraries have been considered a symbol of the
collective consciousness and intellect of a country or society. She pointed out
that such incidents do not happen in the modern era but there are incidents of
disappearance of rare manuscripts and books. She said that efforts can be made
to bring back rare books and manuscripts.
The President said that libraries act as a bridge between
civilizations. In ancient and medieval periods, people of many countries
carried books from India, translated those and gained knowledge. At the heart
of such efforts is the thought that books and libraries are the common heritage
of humanity. The President said that a small book has the potential to change
the course of world history. She referred to Gandhiji's autobiography, where he
has mentioned about the great positive impact of John Ruskin's book 'Unto This
Last' on his life. She said that books contain in them the fragrance of the
land and the vastness of the sky.
Minister
of State for Culture and Law and Justice Arjun Ram Minister and Minister
of State for Culture and External Affairs, Meenakashi Lekhi and Secretary,
Culture Govind Mohan were also present on the occasion. Speaking on the
occasion Meghwal said that Festival of Libraries is a step towards the goal of
making India a knowledge superpower of the world in 21st Century.
Meenakashi Lekhi spoke about the government's
commitment to reach every corner of the country, furthering the Prime
Minister's vision for library development and encouraging a culture of reading.
“The 'Festival of Libraries 2023' plays a pivotal role in
this mission, fostering inclusivity and ensuring access to information for all
citizens. By celebrating the diversity of knowledge and encouraging reading
habits, the festival paves the way for a more informed and empowered society,
nurturing a thirst for learning and inspiring progress across the country,” she
further added
According to the Joint Secretary of the Union
Ministry of Culture, Mugdha Sinha “The festival aims to initiate a dialogue on
the modernization and digitization of libraries and ignite a resurgence of the
reading culture in India. By facilitating advocacy for action-oriented
policies, the festival seeks to develop model libraries even at the village and
community levels, ensuring that knowledge reaches every nook and corner of the
nation”.
Day 1 of the 2023 Festival of Libraries in India
witnessed numerous significant milestones, all centered on the advancement of
knowledge and libraries in the country. The commencement of The Rampur Raza
Library's 250th Year Celebration marked a special occasion, where the library's
invaluable contributions and impressive legacy were commemorated.
During the event, the
Virtual Groundbreaking Ceremony of RRRL Modernisation and the Release of the
Rampur Raza Mystery (Sassy Library Thriller Series) were showcased,
highlighting efforts to modernise the infrastructure of Rampur Raza Library and
introduce thrilling literary works. Additionally, an essential collaboration
was formed through the signing of a Tripartite MoU for Golden Triangle for
Libraries, uniting Rampur, Patna, and Tonk in their pursuit of knowledge
exchange and cooperation.
The day also encompassed the ‘Curtain Raiser and E-Inauguration of the
Museum of the Word’, an interactive platform designed to delve into the history
and evolution of written knowledge.
To recognise and acknowledge exceptional libraries
nationwide, the National Library Ranking Format was introduced. The Directory
of Libraries (Volume I), aimed at encouraging readership and promoting visits
to various libraries across India, too was launched on day 1 of the festival.
Furthermore, to enhance readers’ convenience, the Biblio-on-Demand service was
launched, offering prompt access to any desired book.
Day one concluded with the Virtual Groundbreaking Ceremony
of Delhi Public Library’s modernisation, demonstrating a strong commitment to
improving user experiences and modernising the Delhi Public Library. These
developments serve as a testament to India's unwavering dedication to fostering
a culture of reading while embracing technology to empower its citizens with
knowledge and information.
The
Valedictory Ceremony, on Day 2 of the festival, will be graced by Jagdeep
Dhankhar, the Vice President of India. The event will continue to showcase
iconic libraries from around the world, stimulating conversations on library
modernisation and digitisation in India.
The 'Festival of Libraries 2023' is a remarkable endeavor
that emphasises the significance of libraries as pillars of knowledge and
enlightenment. By promoting the culture of reading while also advancing library
infrastructure, India takes a significant stride towards becoming a leader in
the domain of knowledge and wisdom.