ITANAGAR : National Librarian’s Day was observed across Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday to commemorate the 134th birth anniversary of Padma Shri Dr S R Ranganathan, widely regarded as the Father of Library Science in India, with libraries across districts organising competitions, awareness activities and programmes to promote reading habits among students and the wider community.
In Ziro, the District Library hosted a programme attended by students, local leaders and community members. District Library and Information Officer Joram Taga announced a month-long free membership drive, continuing till August 31, to encourage students to develop regular reading habits.
Prizes were distributed to winners of an essay competition organised at Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Upper Primary School, followed by a guided library tour during which students explored books on local history and culture, travel, geography and fiction.
Trade Development Officer Tai Arun shared his personal journey and encouraged students to aim high. He also offered to sponsor library membership fees for 25 local students.
Eingko Foundation founder Tage Onia urged students to read at least one book every month and highlighted career opportunities in library and information science.
In Bomdila, the District Library observed the occasion with a storytelling competition for Class XI and XII students of Government Higher Secondary School, Bomdila.
District Library and Information Officer Lobom Tamin paid floral tribute to Dr Ranganathan and highlighted his contribution to making libraries more systematic and user-friendly.
Tamin also stressed the importance of reading habits among students.
Trade Development Officer Mekori Dodum encouraged students to use such platforms to enhance their learning, expression and confidence, while District Youth Officer Ateet Solanki spoke on the importance of libraries and librarianship in society.
Samail Leyak of Class XI (Arts) secured the first position in the storytelling competition, followed by Gumsing Yayir Rawa of Class XI (Science) and Bharat Sharma of Class XII (Arts) in second and third positions respectively.
In Pasighat, the District Library organised a programme attended by students, teachers and library staff.
Assistant Director of Public Library Victoria Borang highlighted Dr Ranganathan’s contribution to library science and urged students to cultivate good reading habits and maintain discipline while using library resources.
She advised students to handle books carefully, return them to their designated places after use and make responsible use of library facilities. She also stressed the importance of sincerity, discipline, hard work and perseverance in life.
District Library official Kaling Borang said the library has a wide range of reading materials catering to different age groups and interests, including English and Hindi books, poetry collections and children’s literature.
A poem recitation competition was also organised for students of Shree Shree Vidya Mandir School. Lenjina Melchi Tamin won the first prize, followed by Gidi Apang and Reena Galing in second and third positions respectively.
In Namsai, the District Library organised a programme attended by Namsai Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering, retired IAS officer Tape Bagra, Divisional Commissioner (East) Deputy Secretary R Karlo, Assistant Commissioner Oni Padun, DPO K Sarmah, DDSE Pogde Yongum, KVS Principal Manoj Kumar, other officials, teachers and around 70 students.
Tsering and other dignitaries paid floral tributes to Dr Ranganathan. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner urged students to make maximum use of the modern facilities and resources available at the District Library, saying regular reading can broaden knowledge, develop skills and contribute to personal growth.
Tape Bagra encouraged students to cultivate the habit of reading, highlighting its role in developing knowledge, character and a sense of responsibility towards society and the nation.
As part of the celebration, 65 school students participated in a “Best Out of Waste” craft-making competition, showcasing their creativity while promoting the productive reuse of waste materials.
In Khonsa, the District Library organised a two-day programme at the New Age Learning Centre, beginning on August 11 with an essay competition for school students on the themes “From Bookshelves to Bytes: The Evolution of Librarianship” and “The Legacy of Dr S R Ranganathan and Modern Librarianship.”
Students from RKSM Girls’ School, Government Town Secondary School and Government Pinewood Secondary School participated in the competition.
ADC Namneet Singh stressed the importance of developing a strong reading culture among children and youth in an increasingly digital environment. He said libraries continue to serve as important spaces for learning, reflection and intellectual growth and encouraged students to make reading a lifelong habit.
District Library and Information Officer Chaphun Sumnyan highlighted the role of public libraries as inclusive centres of learning and stressed the importance of a strong public library system in promoting education, reading habits and community development.
Noni Bangyang of RKSM Girls’ School secured the first position in the essay competition, followed by Lamwang Phuksa of Government Pinewood Secondary School and Ayang Lego of RKSM Girls’ School in second and third positions respectively.
The celebrations across the districts reaffirmed the continuing role of libraries as centres of knowledge, learning and community engagement, while encouraging the younger generation to develop reading habits and make greater use of public library resources.
