Imphal, August 12 2010: In commemoration of the 118th birth anniversary of Prof SR Ranganathan, the National Library (Librarian) Day observation cum Prof Ranganathan Memorial Lecture on book and society was held at the State Central Library here today.

Organised by State Central Library, Imphal in collaboration with Manipur Library Association (MALA), Imphal, the event was co-sponsored by Department of Art and Culture, Govt of Manipur and RRRLF, Kolkata.

Director of Art and Culture, Govt of Manipur Dr Kh Sorojini Devi and president of MLA N Shyamkanhai attended the function as chief guest and president respectively.

Delivering the key note address, general secretary of MLA Dr Ch Ibohal Singh observed that Prof Ranganathan was the founder leader of Library science movement in the country and no one has been able to reach the kind of achievement and the sacrifices that he had done in this regard.

Dr Ibohal further said that Prof Ranganathan propounded five laws of library science and they are still being followed.

He also wrote over 100 books and 500 research articles.

It was in recognition of this contribution to the field that the Govt of India honoured him with Padmashree.

The American Library Association had also decorated him with the title of 'Library to the World'.

It is in honour of such a personality that August 12, his birthday, is being observed every year as the National Library Day in India.

In her address as chief guest of the function, Dr Sorojini observed that only 2 percent of the people may be knowing Library as a subject in Manipur.

However, the importance of library is such that to know the value of books, we need to know about the library and its movement.

Stressing on the need for promoting the importance of library among the younger generation, she noted that workshop and training programme for students of Higher Secondary Schools should be organised at least once a month.

As the main speakers of the memorial lecture, general secretary of Writers' Forum BS Rajkumar, critic Dr Saratchandra Longjam and librarian of Manipur University Dr Th Khomdon Singh respectively spoke on the topics of 'Problems and prospects of book publication in Manipur', A brief account of the Manipuri literary works' and 'Book promotion through library'.

District Library, Senapati in collaboration with Directorate of Art and Culture also observed Librarians' Day at Senapati Indoor Stadium today. The function was attended by president of Ranganathan Society for Book Culture, Library and Informatic Studies (RAS), NE Chapter, Imphal Dr N Giridhari as chief guest, vice president of MALA N Inaocha as functional president and District Programme Officer, ICDS Cell, Senapati district, N Modhubala as guest of honour.

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