Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of the 246th birth anniversary of one of India’s greatest social reformers Raja Ram Mohan Roy (May 22, 1772 – September 27, 1833), OrissaPOST interacts with a few students, librarians and researchers about what kind of improvements are needed for libraries in the state. Here is what they say: Amitkumar Jha, a history student of Rajdhani College: In the state, there are very few libraries that are up to the mark.
The city of Bhubaneswar has very few renowned libraries like the State Library, but it’s the sole duty of every individual to donate study material, research-based books to the nearest libraries so that students with financial strains can benefit. They can use these libraries to prepare for competitive exams and for research writings. Manaswini Sarangi, Librarian at Trident College of Engineering: There is an urgent need to care for books and follow the norms of libraries in order to save books and the practice of reading.
Students from every department must value a book. Until and unless students value books, any number of volumes in a library can’t meet their need. Taslima Amin, a researcher in archaeology and ancient temples: Very few libraries are wellequipped to meet the demand of researchers. Often, I have to turn to online ebooks or buy something very costly to complete my paper work. So, on this pious day, we all should take a pledge on saving books for the next generations rather than selling them to Raddiwala. There should be a law or regulation for every library to stock its various sections with new as well as old books so that students can get maximum benefit out of these tomes.
Temples of knowledge The birth anniversary of Raja Ram Mohan Roy was celebrated Tuesday with pomp and gaiety. A special meeting was held at the Rotary Club in Unit IX Bhubaneswar by a hundred Public Library representatives from all over Odisha.
Khadi Board head Tejeswar Parida, addressing the meeting, said, Libraries are like temples and their knowledge opens up the subconscious mind of every individual. Therefore, both the general public and authorities should try their level best to enhance amenities at the libraries and their maintenance. He also said a nation is known for its wealth of libraries and Raja Ram Mohan Roy had truly paved the way for public libraries’ movement in India. Prasanna Kumar Panda (president of Library Association Odisha), retired Professor Pitambar Padhi and Secretary of Library Association of Odisha Hrusikesh Gouda were among those present on the occasion. In his speech, Panda said, more and more students should use public libraries as they are oceans of knowledge. Padhi suggested setting up a Public Council for Odisha Libraries to look after them.