Library is a Growing Organism! In the history of 139 years of its existence of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) , Mangaluru, for the FIRST time, the ‘National Library Day’ celebration was held at the Knowledge centre and Decennial Memorial Conference Hall on Tuesday, 27 August 2019.
Mangaluru: On the occasion of 127th birth anniversary of the father of library science in India, Dr SR Ranganathan, the librarians of FMCI Central Library Committee celebrated the “National Library Day” for the FIRST time in the 139 history of FMCI existence on Tuesday, 27 August at the Knowledge centre and Decennial Memorial Conference Hall at 4 pm.
The Government of India had awarded Padmashri to Dr. S.R. Ranganathan for valuable contributions to Library Science. His Five Laws of Library Science are- Books are for use; Every reader his/her book; Every book, its reader; Save the time of the reader; A library is a growing organism. August 12th is being celebrated as National Librarian’s Day in India, in remembrance of national professor of library science, Dr S R Ranganathan (1892-1972), who had spearheaded library development in India. As they say “Better Late Than Never”, FMCI Central Library Committee organized it on 27 August 2019.
The programme began with prayer through a video song, followed by welcome address by Dr Venkatesha B M- the Chairperson of Central Library Committee. The programme was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by chief guest Prof Dr Ravishankar Rao- Professor, Dept of English at Mangalore University, along with other dignitaries on the dais, namely Fr Rudolph D’sa- Administrator of Father Muller Medical College Hospital; Fr Ajith Menezes-Administrator, Father Muller Medical College; Dr Jayaprakash Alva- Dean, FMMC; Dr Venkatesha B M; and Dr Janet Dotty Lobo- the Librarian at FMCI Library.
In his inaugural address, Prof Dr Ravishankar Rao said, ” Library Day is a day with a deep sense of commitment. At present we live in an information society, but many have lost the touch of reading books, instead they browse through the Internet for knowledge. These days going to a library is an arduous task for many, because of the other electronic gadgets they can rely on for information. But once you start going to the library, you’ll get more attracted to it eventually, like a magnet. The library is a growing mechanism, and people go to the library to discover something they know. You should know that nothing comes out without reading, so a library is an ideal place for that”.
Prof Rao further said, “Wisdom doesn’t come without reading. Sometimes we feel that we are genius, but without reading our knowledge is zero. Therefore reading is very very necessary. I would like to compliment FMCI for their initiative in organizing their first National Library Day on a grand scale, where a large gathering has assembled here in the hall. Yes, institutions need libraries, so that students could get engaged in reading, gain knowledge and slowly start the hobby of reading. Even though sometimes you may not find the necessary info that you wanted at the library, in that case, make use of Google. But it’s always better to gain more knowledge through reading at the library than get information by the click of the button on your smartphone or computer”.
In his presidential address, Fr Rudolph D’sa said, “I am overwhelmed to note that in the history of FMCI the National Library Day is organized for the First time, and has received a tremendous response, with a houseful audience. “You need to sacrifice to receive something said today’s chief guest”, and to gain the knowledge you need to sacrifice a little of your time in reading. Don’t read good books instead of reading the best books. There are a variety of books on a variety of subjects in the library, which is a source of knowledge, a source of social revolution and so on. Reading books can give you more knowledge than browsing through the Internet more often. Make a change in your lives- visit the library more often, read more and you’ll imbibe all the knowledge you need”
On the occasion prizes were handed over to the winners – The Best User Award was bagged by Ms Floris Ann Francis of MBBS 2015 batch, who used 3328 number of hours in a year. Book Prize to the Toppers were also presented on the occasion, and the donors of the books were also honored from a few publishing companies like- Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers Pvt Ltd Mangaluru (Ramachandra Gowda-Sales Manager); CBS Publishers and Distributors Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru ( Avith Lobo, Sales Executive); and Wolters Kluwer India Pvt Ltd Gurgaon (Sanjith Kotian-Sales Executive). The vote of thanks was proposed by Sr Jacintah D’souza-Principal of Fr Mullers College of Nursing, and the programme was professionally and meticulously compered by Dr Sanjay Fernandes from Dept of Anatomy at FMMC.
The Best User Award bagged by Ms Floris Ann Francis of MBBS 2015 batch, who used 3328 number of hours in a year.
In conclusion in my perspective, It is very important to know the importance of library science in the modern scenario. A library is not the only a collection of books but is a way to transform life and society. We as people representing the library science know that researches or motivation by us can change student’s or any one’s life and future. In the world which is changing rapidly with time, it is important that we market ourselves so that people can erst and the importance The need to modernize libraries is also being felt. Instead of indulging in the routine activities during the observance, it would be worthwhile to initiate and institutionalize the resource-based learning in schools and colleges by treating the library as the main learning resource, I feel.
No doubt, that a library is a good place to go when you feel unhappy, for there, in a book, you may find encouragement and comfort. A library is a good place to go when you feel bewildered or undecided, for there, in a book, you may have your question answered. Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people – people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book. Happy Reading!
ABOUT Dr S R RANGANATHAN :
Ranganathan, born on 9 August 1892, came from a moderate background in British-ruled India. He was born in the small town of Shiyali (now known as Sirkazhi), in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India. Ranganathan began his professional life as a mathematician; he earned B.A. and M.A. degrees in mathematics from Madras Christian College in his home province, and then went on to earn a teaching license. His lifelong goal was to teach mathematics, and he was successively a member of the mathematics faculties at universities in Mangaluru, Coimbatore and Madras (all within the span of five years).
As a mathematics professor, he published a handful of papers, mostly on the history of mathematics. His career as an educator was somewhat hindered by a handicap of stammering (a difficulty Ranganathan gradually overcame in his professional life). The Government of India awarded Padmashri to Dr. S.R. Ranganathan for valuable contributions to Library Science.
Dr Ranganathan’s Five Laws of Library Science are – Books are for use • Every reader his/her book • Every book, its reader • Save the time of the reader • A library is a growing organism August 12th is being celebrated as National Librarian’s Day in India, in remembrance of national professor of library science, Dr S R Ranganathan (1892-1972), who had spearheaded library development in India.
Good work at Fr. Mullers. Commendable
The report by Mangalorean is appreciated. Reports such as these boost the effort made by organisations to improve real quality. A good library and encouragement to read boost the quality of any person or profession. CONGRATS to the institution and well done reporter.