The Valedictory Ceremony, on the second day of the first-ever ‘Festival of Libraries 2023’, witnessed the gracious presence of the Vice-President of India, Sh. Jagdeep Dhankhar. The festival, organised by the Union Ministry of Culture, was inaugurated by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu yesterday. MoS , Culture and External Affairs, Smt Meenakashi Lekhi, and Secretary, Culture Shs Govind Mohan, Joint Secretary, Culture Smt. Mugdha Sinha were among those present on the occasion.
The Festival of Libraries, a part of the second phase of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of promoting the development and digitisation of libraries in India while fostering a culture of reading.
Addressing the Valedictory Ceremony of the Festival of Libraries today, Shri Dhankhar described informed citizen as the greatest spinal strength of any democratic process. Underscoring that only an informed citizenry can neutralize anti-national forces & narratives, he said that libraries are quintessential to achieve informed citizen status.
Praising the Ministry of Culture for this visionary initiative, Shri Dhankhar expressed confidence that it will promote the culture of reading in the country. “Library development brings about development of society and culture. It is also a measure of progress of civilizations and cultures,” he said. Lauding the efforts to employ technology for libraries, he said that digital library initiative breaks barriers, empowering all citizens with access to knowledge. Education is the only transformational mechanism available to change the civilizational growth.
On this occasion, the Vice President also released a Coffee Table Book based on the writings of our freedom fighters, that were banned by the colonial rule. Describing the Coffee Table Book as befitting tribute to our Constitution and freedom fighters, VP called it “the most authentic record of Indian genius for freedom, for our value system. It makes available to you what was hidden from you & what was proscribed.” Recalling the innumerable sacrifices made by our forefathers for the sake of country’s independence, he asked all present to persuade every child to go through this unique book.
Click here for full speech of the Vice President
Speaking on the occasion, Smt Meenakashi Lekhi urged the parents to inculcate the habit of reading in their children from the very beginning to prevent them from falling prey to vice. Reading will help to make children better human beings and better citizens of future India, Smt Lekhi added. Lauding the efforts being made at digitisation of Libraries, she explained that digitisation will give better access to libraries to the people. The Festival of Libraries marks a news chapter in the history of development of Libraries in India, she emphasised.
The Festival of Libraries 2023 served as a dynamic platform to showcase iconic libraries from around the world, sparking meaningful dialogues on the modernisation and digitisation of libraries in India. By bringing together stakeholders from various fields, including librarians, academics, district collectors, and directors of model libraries, the event facilitated the formulation of actionable policies for developing Model Libraries at all levels, even reaching the villages and communities.
Secretary of the Union Ministry of Culture, said “The Festival of Libraries 2023 has been a resounding success in creating a collaborative platform for sharing best practices and ideas from libraries worldwide. We are committed to implementing the outcomes of these discussions to revitalise and digitise libraries across India. Through this initiative, we aim to create libraries that are not only repositories of knowledge but also vibrant spaces that inspire creativity, research, and community engagement.”
The Festival also saw the launch of Biblio-on-Demand service, Library ranking framework, modernisation project of Delhi Public Library, Directory of Libraries(Volume 1- Delhi) , coffee table book on proscribed literature among others.
Click here for details on Biblio-on-Demand Service
The festival featured a diverse range of engaging activities, including roundtable discussions, interactive panels, and insightful conversations with organisers of literary festivals, young authors, and publishing houses. Special sessions were dedicated to exploring schemes for library development, including the National Missions on Libraries Manuscripts and Archives.
On Day 2, the Festival witnessed several key developments that enriched the discourse on libraries’ modernisation. A panel discussion with architects who have been involved in the restoration and modernisation of libraries shed light on the challenges faced while transforming heritage buildings into vibrant spaces for the community. Furthermore, international perspectives on library policies and development were explored through a panel discussion featuring librarians from select G20 and SCO countries. The Festival also emphasised fostering reading cultures by facilitating discussions between various publishing houses and libraries, aimed at building better collections and promoting reading habits in the country.
The Festival of Libraries also delved into the significance of preserving history and knowledge through archives and oral histories. A panel discussion highlighted how corporate and individual organisations are actively building archives, preserving their heritage for future generations. Moreover, literary residencies and retreats were discussed as potent platforms that promote authorship and publishing. These sessions emphasized the critical role of literary spaces in nurturing creative minds and fostering literary talents across India.
The Festival of Libraries 2023 made a lasting impact on all participants, highlighting the significance of libraries as vital repositories of knowledge and culture. It has inspired a shared determination to revitalize libraries into dynamic hubs of learning and intellectual exchange, in line with India’s progressive vision. As the event concludes, the nation eagerly anticipates applying the valuable recommendations and insights gained from the festival. The Indian government’s unwavering dedication, exemplified by the National Mission on Libraries, demonstrates its commitment to enhancing libraries nationwide and fostering a culture of reading.
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