Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 14 Aug: The Central Government Library Association (CGLA), Dehradun, and the Central Library, Uttaranchal University, jointly organised a programme on 12 August to honour the legacy of Padma Shri awardee Dr SR Ranganathan, the Father of Library Science in India, on the occasion of the 133rd National Librarians’ Day. Around 100 library professionals from Dehradun, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Haldwani, and Haridwar participated in the celebration.
The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, a floral tribute to Dr Ranganathan, and the University Kulgeet. Gifts, mementos, and plant saplings were presented to welcome the dignitaries.
Dr Ramveer Tanwar, University Librarian, delivered the welcome address, introducing the Chief Guest, University President Jitender Joshi; Vice President Ankita Joshi; Vice Chancellor Prof (Dr) Dharam Buddhi; Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof (Dr) Rajesh Bahuguna; CGLA President Dr AK Suman; and General Secretary Manish Sharma, among others. He highlighted the role of effective library services in quality education and announced updates to the library’s resources. The dignitaries jointly released Volume 4, Issue 1 of the Bibliotheca Bulletin.
In their addresses, Jitender Joshi congratulated the fraternity; Prof (Dr) Dharam Buddhi stressed on innovation and technology in library services; Prof (Dr) Rajesh Bahuguna emphasised the library’s role in user growth; and Ankita Joshi spoke on libraries’ community impact.
Dr AK Suman, President, CGLA, briefed on the association’s initiatives and delivered a lecture on the Changing Role of Libraries and Librarians, outlining the transformation from traditional to virtual libraries through IT and AI applications.
Awards were presented to faculty members and students as Best Library Users for the 2025–26 session, based on library usage, remote access, timely returns, and discipline. In addition, CGLA conferred the Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award on Ramesh Goel, ex-President of CGLA and retired ALIO from LBSNAA, Mussoorie, for his remarkable contribution to Library & Information Science.
A short documentary on Dr Ranganathan, prepared and presented by Manish Sharma, General Secretary, CGLA, was screened, showcasing his life and enduring influence on the profession.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Manish Sharma, followed by the National Anthem and a networking session over refreshments.
