The Union Home Minister has espoused the imperative need for libraries that serve as conduits to acquaint the youth with the annals of their nation’s history, language, and culture. He earnestly beseeched educators to inspire students to partake in these repositories of knowledge to foster their interests in subjects that beckon to their intellect. This appeal of much importance was made by HM during the inauguration of the “SamauShaheed Memorial,” a tribute to the 12 martyrs from Mansa who laid down their lives in the pursuit of India’s freedom during the 1857 revolt.
The Home Minister has astutely emphasised the imperative need for the preservation and proliferation of libraries, which serve as veritable lifelines for underprivileged youths with an ardent appetite for reading yet find themselves deprived due to meagre resources. In this era dominated by digital ubiquity, where the internet takes precedence in all facets of life, libraries have experienced a lamentable decline in prominence. Nevertheless, it is of paramount significance to recognise that libraries fulfil multiple crucial roles. Foremost among these roles is the facilitation of a conducive environment for young minds to congregate, inculcating the invaluable habit of reading while simultaneously alleviating the pervasive affliction of mobile addiction. In the contemporary milieu, both the young and the elderly are incessantly engaging with irrelevant digital content throughout the day. This compulsive behaviour detrimentally affects their cognitive development and, consequently, their overall well-being.
The sheer delight experienced when perusing a tangible book held in one’s hands remains unparalleled in the realm of digital reading. It is an irrefutable fact that the entirety of literary material, composed of handwritten or printed works across myriad languages and produced throughout history, cannot be transcribed into digital format. Furthermore, numerous languages have languished into obsolescence for a variety of reasons, and libraries function as bastions of these cultural and linguistic legacies. The intrinsic truth lies in the irreplaceable nature of old stories conveyed through regional dialects, a narrative richness that eludes translation in the context of the modern digital age. If the art of creativity is to endure, it must be perpetuated through the venerable medium of books. Governments have endeavoured to rekindle the flame of reading among children, with certain regions establishing mobile libraries that traverse remote villages, igniting the spark of learning through the medium of literature. While artificial intelligence has undeniably revolutionised the realm of writing, the act of true creativity remains the exclusive purview of individuals. As evidence, people continue to flock to museums to glean insights into the past, just as libraries hold the key to our historical narrative.
For the perpetuation of regional languages for future generations, libraries stand as the sentinel guardians. Governments acknowledge the tireless efforts of writers in diverse regional languages through awards, thereby affirming their role in preserving these linguistic treasures. Libraries serve as venerated repositories where these invaluable historical gems can be meticulously unearthed and explored. The noteworthy service rendered by the Shri Ranbir Singh Library to the scholarly aspirants of Jammu is a practical example. In an era predating the omnipresent internet, the acquisition and comprehensive perusal of a vast array of books were an arduous and financially prohibitive endeavour. In this context, the Ranbir Library emerged as an invaluable repository of knowledge, particularly catering to students diligently preparing for competitive examinations.
Though the epochs have witnessed transformative alterations and evolving dynamics, the indispensable role of libraries remains indelible. Presently, these hallowed institutions continue to serve as the bedrock of educational establishments, both at the school and college levels. Society, in concert with the governing bodies, must maintain an unwavering commitment to allocating the requisite financial resources to sustain and augment these cherished repositories of wisdom. Libraries persist as the crucibles of erudition for the forthcoming generation, undeniably warranting unwavering focus and investment.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
