Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: On the occasion of the World Book Day, the Department of Libraries and Research, J&K organized one -day exhibition at SRS Library here today.
About 200 rare and historical books were exhibited which include the books published in 17th and 18th century, Kalhan’s Rajtarangini published in Sanskrit in 1867 and its translated version in English by Stein. The Mahabharta published in 1819, the Golden Books of India by Sir Roper published in 1893, Shahnama Firdousi published in 1874 were also exhibited during the day long exhibition.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Libraries and Research apprised that the department has 140 libraries in different parts of the State at district, tehsil and even block level. He further apprised that there are about 60000-70000 books in the SRS Library Jammu and SPS Library in Srinagar. In addition, the department has about more than 8,000 manuscripts in Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic and Tibetan languages. Most of these manuscripts have been digitized recently.
He said that these exhibitions are being held to reinfuse the interest in people for reading books besides these libraries act as information centres. He appealed the general masses to visit these libraries and develop habit of reading books. He also appealed the students to come and enroll themselves as member of the public libraries which will help them a lot in future.
The exhibition was witnessed by prominent educationists, scholars,, writers besides students and public in large number.
The Department of Libraries and Research Srinagar also organized a day-long exhibition of rare books, manuscripts and other reading material in Sri Pratap Library Museum, Lal Mandi.
A sizeable number of book lovers and students visited the exhibition.
On this occasion, the students and book lovers urged the organizers to conduct such exhibitions across the Valley at district and tehsil levels, to enable the people of Valley to get acquainted with the history and culture of Kashmir.
A 1869 edition of rare book of renowned writer Henry Hardy Cole’s “Illustrations of ancient buildings in Kashmir” was also on display in the exhibition.
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