CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal/ Ujjain: Books are not merely repositories of information but also carriers of experiences and emotions. The Vice-Chancellor announced that an advanced e-library facility will soon be launched at Vikram University, Ujjain, enabling students to access e-books and research papers from across the country and abroad 24/7 from the comfort of their homes.
Vikram University Vice-Chancellor Arpan Bhardwaj expressed these views during his presidential address at a program focusing on knowledge, libraries, and reading culture. The event was jointly organized by the School of Library and Information Science and Maharaja Jiwajirao Library at Ashok Trivedi Auditorium on the occasion of the birth anniversary of renowned library science scholar Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan and Librarian’s Day celebrations. His address rekindled the audience’s love for books.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Vikram University, Balkrishna Sharma, attended as the chief guest. Through virtual mode, Professor J.M. Gautam, Head of the Department of Library and Information Science, Jiwaji Rao University, Gwalior, participated as a keynote speaker. Guests were welcomed by Anil Kumar Jain, Librarian of Maharaja Jiwajirao Library, who in his welcome address highlighted the continuous progress of the university under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Arpan Bhardwaj.
He also noted that under the leadership of Head of Department Raj Boria, the Library Science Department has achieved remarkable progress. Currently, 35 students are enrolled in PhD programs, and in the last three years, 22 students have qualified for the NET exam. This year as well, 5-6 students cleared the NET. The number of students and resources in the department continues to grow.
Dr. J.M. Gautam, in his virtual address, shed light on Dr. Ranganathan’s life and works, stating that he introduced the “Five Laws of Library Science,” which remain relevant today. He emphasized that even in the age of information technology, the importance of libraries has not diminished—modern facilities like e-libraries have made access to knowledge easier.
Former Vice-Chancellor Balkrishna Sharma, in his keynote address, discussed the Indian context of ‘Books’ and ‘Granthas.’ He noted that from the oral tradition to palm leaves, birch bark, paper, and today’s digital era, the form of books has evolved, but their value remains priceless. He urged students to respect books, stating that those who bow before a book need not bow before anyone else in life. He also remarked that along with Librarian’s Day, it was International Youth Day, and books must always be held in the highest esteem to preserve our libraries.
Vice-Chancellor Arpan Bhardwaj, in his presidential address, reflected on the changing role of libraries, stating that despite the growth of digital resources, printed books establish a lively dialogue with readers. Referring to poet Safdar Hashmi’s poem “Books Speak,” he reiterated that books are not just information repositories but also carriers of experiences and emotions. He announced that Vikram University will soon launch an e-library facility, allowing students to access e-books and research papers worldwide at any time from home.
During the program, recently selected JRF candidates from the department—Anil Kumar, Kavita Gaur, Radheshyam Parmar, Vandana, and Subhash Vatsalya—were felicitated with garlands.
Head of Department Raj Boria expressed gratitude to all guests, students, and organizing committee members, expressing hope that such events will keep students connected to libraries and reading culture. After the conclusion of the program, Vice-Chancellor Arpan Bhardwaj and NCC cadets conducted a tree plantation drive. The program was hosted by Vishal Jadhav, with a vote of thanks delivered by HOD Raj Boria.
#VikramUniversity #ELibrary #DigitalLibrary #OnlineResources #AcademicDevelopment #StudentResources #UniversityNews #HigherEducation #TechnologyInEducation #UjjainNews
