New Delhi: President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the ‘Festival of Libraries 2023’ at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, aimed at showcasing the diverse and enriching collections of renowned libraries worldwide. The festival, spanning two days, is geared towards advancing the modernization and digital transformation of libraries across India while also nurturing a culture of reading within the nation.
In her address during the opening ceremony, President Murmu underscored the pivotal role that libraries play in the progress of society and culture. She emphasised the imperative of modernization and digitalization to bridge the gaps between civilizations, making knowledge more easily accessible. President Murmu further highlighted the ongoing efforts aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision to establish a National Virtual Library, thereby realising the aspiration of a unified digital repository for the nation.
President Murmu also acknowledged the profound impact of books and libraries on India’s freedom struggle. She emphasised the preservation of valuable manuscripts and underscored the necessity for libraries to adapt to modern demands.
Union Minister of Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal and Cultural Secretary Govind Mohan were also present on the occasion. Noteworthy moments during the festival included the launch of a comprehensive directory of libraries and the signing of a trilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) among three esteemed libraries: the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library in Patna, the Rampur Raza Library in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, and the Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Arabic-Persian Research Institute in Tonk, Rajasthan.
The festival also marked the significant milestone of the 250th anniversary of Rampur Raza Library, commemorated through captivating exhibitions that showcased its rich historical journey. Additionally, to enhance the literary landscape, a collection of books in cursive writing, spanning 22 languages, was unveiled during the festival.
This unique ‘Festival of Libraries 2023’, organised by the Ministry of Culture, unfolds at Hall No. 5, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
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