Books build society, libraries build minds: National Librarians' Day observed across Imphal
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 12 2026:
National Librarians' Day was observed on Wednesday across Imphal to commemorate the 134th birth anniversary of Dr SR Ranganathan, revered as the Father of Library Science.
The main function was organised by the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur at State Central Library, Keishampat.
Floral tributes were paid to Dr Ranganathan's photograph before the event began.
Prof S Lanchenba Meetei, Principal of DM College of Arts and Dean, School of Humanities, DM University, attended as chief guest.
He said knowledge and wisdom are gained from books, and "without libraries, a society is like a house without a roof".
Stressing the need to strengthen libraries, he urged the Art and Culture Department to fill vacant posts and consider setting up a separate Directorate for libraries.
Prof Lanchenba noted that while the State Central Library has 29 sanctioned posts, only 6 staff members are currently managing it, causing several difficulties.
He also called for encouraging writers to produce quality books for future generations and appealed to the public to develop reading habits, saying "a society without books is like a house without light".
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Librarian L Pramodkumar highlighted the role of public libraries in building an enlightened society.
He informed that the library has 87,798 books and 6,834 registered members, and said acute manpower shortage persists with more retirements due next year.
The function was presided over by Joint Director of Art and Culture G Dharmadas Shanna.
Dr Th Khomdon, Librarian, Manipur University of Culture, attended as guest of honour.
Storytelling sessions were also held as part of the event.
In a similar observance, the Central Library, JNIMS also marked the day.
Dean Academics Prof Laiphangbam Supriya Devi attended as chief guest, while Chief Librarian Dr S Sophiarani presided.
A special talk emphasized strengthening modem library services to support education, research and patient care.
The programme concluded with a pledge to develop the library as a centre of academic excellence.
To mark National Librarian's Day, the Department of Library and Information Science (DLIS), Manipur University, jointly with Manipur Library Association (MALA) and Indian Association of Special Libraries and Information Centres Zone 5, organised an International Webinar on "Information Literacy in Open AI Era" in hybrid mode.
Prof Ch Ibohal Singh, Head, DLIS, chaired the programme.
Dr Prasanna Ranaweera of National Institute of Library and Information Sciences, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka delivered the invited talk.
Dr Prasanta Kumar Deka, Librarian, Gauhati University, attended as special guest.
During the observance.
Vol 17, No 1 & 2, 2025 of Librarygee Eehou: MALA International Journal of Library Movement was also released.
MALA, in association with Heirangoithong High School, also celebrated the day on the school premises.
Presidium members included RK Urmila Devi, retired Chief Librarian and MALA vice president, RK Rameswor Singh, former MALA president, Laishram Landhoni, retired Principal of Imphal College, Sanasam Shantikumar, retired Deputy Director of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, and Headmistress Oinam Jamuna.
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