[LIS-Forum] Sad demise Veteran Library Scientist Sri M.N. Seetharaman

[Ashok Asundi]

To All LIS Professionals,
We feel highly painful to hear the sad demise of Sri M.N. Seetharaman, former Head NAL, Bangalore.  One of the pioneering library and information scientist of our country at the formative years of the development of library and information systems in our country. I had earliest privilege of visiting the NAL Library in late 1965 as student of library science and on study tour since then I have been in contact with Mr. Seetharaman who was very courteous to and would welcome all young professionals with his fair guidance and help. After I moved to Bangalore my contact with him become closure and I would often visit NAL Library for help and guidance.
Mr. Seetharaman's all achievements have been narrated by Dr. IRN Goudar in another post on this forum. But one incident I remember always is the Online Information Retrieval Service he had organised( as a Pilot Project) in 1984 as one of the participant. It was an uphill task and the most notable achievement of Mr. Seetharaman apart from his organisation and professional skills.  The NAL got connected to Frescati, Rome via European Space Agency and that to at a time when the Telecommunication technology was in it infancy in India then. Myself and with my IIMB Colleagure Smt. Shailaja participated actively in the project and we could also search several databases online.  It was one of the most fascinating experience to reminisce.
Mr. Seetharaman was Life Member of KALA and would participate in its activities very enthusiastically and also would extend his cooperation in its professional pursuits. Even at the older age he was very active and would offer his valuable consultancies to the need. Very noble, soft spoken and above all very friendly with all. I have personally known his many achievements communicated through the NAL Newsletter to enlighten the professionals.
On behalf of Governing Council, on behalf all members of KALA and on my personal behalf condole the passing away of Mr. M.N.Seetharaman, pray Al Mighty May his Soul Rest in Peace.
Prof. A.Y.AsundiPresident, Karnataka State Library Association, On behalf of GC and All Members and LIS Fraternity.