Smt Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Festival Of Libraries, Highlighting India's Knowledge Powerhouse Journey
The 'Festival of Libraries 2023', inaugurated by the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, in New Delhi, aims to promote the development and digitization of libraries and foster a culture of reading. The President emphasized that libraries are a measure of societal and cultural progress and are symbolic of a country's collective consciousness and intellect. Efforts will be made to recover rare manuscripts and books that have disappeared over time.
Libraries act as bridges between civilizations, with books being considered the common heritage of humanity. The festival highlights the transformative power of books, like Gandhiji's autobiography influenced by John Ruskin's book, 'Unto This Last'. The event was attended by ministers and dignitaries, showcasing the government's commitment to making India a knowledge superpower.
Day 1 of the festival witnessed significant milestones, including the 250th Year Celebration of The Rampur Raza Library and the virtual groundbreaking ceremony for its modernization. A tripartite MoU for Golden Triangle for Libraries was signed, uniting Rampur, Patna, and Tonk in knowledge exchange and cooperation. The 'Museum of the Word' was inaugurated, exploring the history of written knowledge.
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To encourage readership, the National Library Ranking Format and Directory of Libraries (Volume I) was introduced. The Biblio-on-Demand service was launched for prompt access to books. The day concluded with the virtual groundbreaking ceremony for the modernization of the Delhi Public Library, exemplifying India's commitment to a culture of reading and technological empowerment.
Day 2 of the festival will feature iconic libraries from around the world and continue discussions on library modernization and digitization in India. The 'Festival of Libraries 2023' is a significant effort to promote knowledge and enlightenment, furthering India's position as a leader in the domain of wisdom and learning.
