IMPHAL, August 12: Commemorating the 123rd birth anniversary of Prof SR Ranganathan, who is known as the Father of Library Science in India, the Library Day was observed today at the Educational Guide Centre complex, Singjamei.
The observation was jointly organised by the Manipur Library Association and the EGC.
Speaking as the chief guest at the gathering, retd Principal Manipur College, L Sadananda threw light on the magnanimous contribution of Prof SR Ranganathan towards development of the library science in India.
He said Prof SR Ranganathan was an outstanding and highly motivated scholar and professor.
He also observed that the earlier belief was that learning begins from the cradle, but with the development in modern science witnessed today, learning is said to begin from the mother`™s womb itself.
The retd Principal also stressed on the five laws of library science propounded by Prof Ranganathan which are `Books are for use; Every reader has his/her books; Every books has its reader; Save the readers time and Libraries are going organization.`
Rephrasing a quote of English philosopher Sir Francis Bacon, he said some books are meant to be read only in parts, others to be read, but not inquisitively, and some few to be read with full attention.
Highlighting the vital role of library towards the development of our society, Sadananda emphasized that we need to visit libraries often and read good books.
He reminded the gathering that Prof Ranganathan was motivated to strengthen libraries in India because he wanted to develop the Indian society.
MALA president K Chaoba Singh who was the functional president at the event said the day is being observed so as to popularise the library movement and the reading habit among the youngsters.
He also observed rather unhappily that today students are so engrossed with their private tuitions that they have all forgotten to visit the libraries.
He further appealed to the parents and guardians to take their wards to libraries and inculcate the habit of reading books.
Several dignitaries of MALA also spoke on the life history of Prof SR Ranganathan and his unforgettable contribution in the field of Library Science in India.
Dr N Giridhari said that a librarian is the custodian of knowledge.
Dr Th Khomdon said, `If prof SR Ranganathan was not born, we would not have known the study of Library Science.`
Former president L Sarita Devi in her speech narrated how Atul Chandra from Naorem Leikai started the library movement in Manipur in 1927 and the beginning of Manipur Reading Club in the 1930s.