Experience from reading books irreplaceable: Dr Ibohal
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 17 2023:
While maintaining that the very concept that library need not exist in the presence of internet will be a total historical blunder, Manipur University Library and Information Science department head Dr Ch Ibohal has exclaimed that library and internet are two different things and the joy and pleasure that one experiences from reading books can never be obtained from internet.
Speaking as one of the resource persons during a symposium held on the topic "Internet and Library" as part of the ongoing Imphal Book Fair at TRAU ground near Kwakeithel on Tuesday with Sahitya Akademi Awardee, Yumlembam Ibomcha as the chairperson, Dr Ibohal pointed Out that library has been in existence since civilisation of mankind started and it is an important and powerful medium for taking forward the civilisation.
Further stating that library will remain forever a part and parcel of human beings, Dr Ibohal also reminded that resources available in the library are of utmost importance as they have been evolving and developing as civilisations march on.
Though writings on clay tablets, leaves and animal skins can be considered as book, with the advancement of science and technology, paper has replaced them.
Moreover, internet came to the fore only in 1969 and its usage by the commoners became widespread in the beginning of 20th century.
As such, the concept among certain intellectuals, bureaucrats and even elected representatives that library need not exist in the presence of internet will be a total historical blunder because internet and library are poles apart ", he elaborated.
Another resource person of the programme namely K Chaoba Singh, president of Manipur Library Association president, recalled some instances wherein MLAs and ministers including the present education minister made statements like "There is no use of libraries in this era of internet" in public platform, and described such remarks as regrettable.
Though there are libraries in the schools and colleges of the state, yet they are not properly functioning as the government sanctions a meagre amount of around Rs 10 lakh on a yearly basis for procuring books for the libraries, he added.
Writer N Imojit Singh, who is also the publisher of Yaibi-rel Communications, spoke on the topic of internet and library, as well.