Book Donation Programme org. by Ramkrishnanagar College

Way2barak, April 30 : A Book Donation Programme was organised by the Central Library of Ramkrishnanagar College, in collaboration with the IQAC of the college recently in connection with the World Book Day. The programme was presided over by the Principal of the college, Dr. Surajit Chakrabarty.

The programme started by paying floral tribute to the images of Shishir Kar Shastri, the founder principal of the college and S.R. Ranganathan, the father of Library Science. Dr. Mala Sharma, former principal of the college and academician, was the chief guest. The principal of the college delivered the Welcome Address to mark the beginning of the programme. Following this, the Librarian of the college, Shyam Thakuria, highlighted the objectives of the Book Donation Programme. He emphasised the role played by libraries in creating reading habits among people and encouraged all to make proper use of library keeping in mind its long-term benefits.

The guests of honour delivered speeches on the necessity and relevance of books in the present times. Mriganka Dutta Choudhury, social activist and recipient of state cultural award, highlighted on the role of books in shaping our character and in nation building. The renowned poet of the locality, Tapas Paul, delivered talk on the importance of reading and writing and encouraged the youth to express themselves through literary productions. Santosh Sinha, lexicographer and poet of Bishnupriya Manipuri language, expressed his views on the need to preserve literature and popularise literary practises among the youth.

Arun Chatterjee, academician and writer, spoke on the values associated with reading and the life long impact of reading on the minds of readers. A similar view was shared by Ashit Chakraborty, retired teacher and poet, who stressed on the formative aspects of book reading as a positive and creative habit. Indulekha Deb Roy, retired assistant Professor, R.K. Nagar College, spoke on the special role of books in our lives by pointing out how books provide service to readers all the time unlike electronic gadgets and internet based resources.

The chief guest of the programme, Dr. Mala Sharma, reiterated the same views by terming books as our best friends. She encouraged students to spend more and more time with books as only books can lay foundation for a life full of virtue and values even in this mechanised society. The programme came to an end with the donation of books by various donors. More than 300 books were donated on this day to the R.K. Nagar College library. Dr. Smaranjit Singha, assistant professor, department of English, R.K. Nagar College gave the vote of thanks and appreciated the house for their valuable response to the programme. The programme came to its end with the singing of the National Anthem.