*The Book “Pioneers of Library Movement in **India**: A Tribute by SATKAL”
Released*
Dr. Jaspal Singh, Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala
released the book, “Pioneers of Library Movement in India: A Tribute by
Satkal” at the Inaugural Session of the First World Punjabi Diaspora
Conference on 11 December 2012 in the Science Auditorium of Punjabi
University, Patiala. Congratulating Dr. Jagtar Singh, editor of the book,
and Professor Jagindar Singh Ramdev, Founder & Chief Patron of Satkal, the
Vice Chancellor said that this book would certainly inspire the younger
generation of library and information professionals to emulate their role
models from the book. This book was also released at Jawaharlal Nehru
University (JNU), New Delhi on 12 December 2012 by Padmashri Alok Mehta,
Chief Editor, National Duniya, a leading Hindi Daily. Speaking about the
book, he said that this book provides valuable information about library
pioneers which was earlier either not available or widely scattered. He
underlined the need for more such books to inspire people. Speaking at this
occasion, Sh. K. K. Banerjee, Director General, Raja Rammohun Roy Library
Foundation, Kolkata, and Chief Guest of the function said that the book is
a unique contribution of Satkal to the professional literature, and it must
be a long-term project of Satkal to publish more such books on living
luminaries as well. Prof. Jagindar Singh Ramdev updated the audience about
the mission and activities of the Satinder Kaur Ramdev Memorial Trust for
Advancement of Librarianship (Satkal), and Prof. Jagtar Singh, editor of
the book enlightened the people about the background and contents of the
book. Dr. H. K. Kaul, Director, DELNET: Developing Library Network, New
Delhi delivered the “Satkal Annual Lecture 2012” on “Essential Skills for
LIS Professionals in 21st Century.” Professor P. B. Mangla, Tagore
National Fellow, said in his presidential address that library and
information professionals must focus their energies on preserving and
serving knowledge and information to the stakeholders. Dr. Jagtar Singh,
President Satkal, Dr. R. C. Gaur, Librarian, JNU jointly organized the book
release ceremony and the Satkal Annual Lecture at JNU, New Delhi.
*About the Book *
This book contains profiles of fifty six library doyens written by forty
three library and information science experts. The main purpose of this
book is to present profiles of library pioneers under one cover which
either were not written yet or bits of information about them were widely
scattered within different sources. This book is a inimitable source of
information about the moorings of the library pioneers, how they joined
this profession, what challenges they faced, and what message they have
left for the next generation of library educators and practitioners.
Besides being an asset to the professional literature on the contributions
of library pioneers in India, this book is a humble tribute to the pioneers
by Satkal. Besides 48 photographs of librarian pioneers, and 08 photographs
of Satinder Kaur Ramdev Memorial Trust for Advancement of Librarianship
(Satkal), this book includes articles on Prof. jagindar Singh Ramdev,
Founder, and Patron-in-Chief of Satkal, Mrs. Satinder Kaur Ramdev in whose
memory the Trust has been founded, and the Satkal. The book also includes
a list of contributors in the beginning and an index at the end. The book
is published by Punjab Library Association (PLA) in December 2012. It
contains LII preliminary and 328 main pages, and is priced for Rs. 995/-
and US$ 25. The orders for purchasing this book can be sent to *The
Secretary, **Punjab** Library Association (Regd.) C/o Department of Library
and Information Science, **Punjabi** **University**, Patiala-147002 (**
Punjab**).* For more details of the book contact Dr. Jagtar Singh:
jagtardeep(a)gmail.com
*Jagtar Singh, editor of the book*
*Excerpts from the Book *
Though the book contains profiles of 56 pioneers, yet only a
few excerpts are given here for the benefit of the list members in view of
the constraints of space and time.
“In my opinion, the present book … is a unique contribution to the
professional literature. It contains fifty six profiles of library doyens
from India who have made profound contribution in the field of library
movement. It traces … the history of library development of around 150
years, from 1861 to 2012, through the profiles of library pioneers. Besides
others, the book includes profiles of five *Padma Shris, *namely* *Sh.
Iyyanki Venkata Ramanaiah, Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, Prof. S. Bashiruddin, Sh.
B.S. Kesavan, and Prof. P.N. Kaula. ... I not only believe but am sure
also that this book would certainly inspire the younger generation of
library and information professionals to emulate their role models.”
*Dr. Jaspal Singh, Vice Chancellor, **Punjabi** **University**, **Patiala***
* *
"I agree with Albert Einstein that World is a dangerous place
not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on, and do
nothing. I would like to die in the thought that I did something for the
advancement of librarianship and education. My fellow professionals, life
is very short and we never have enough time for gladdening the hearts of
those who travel the way with us. Make haste to be kind. Be happy. It is a
way of being wise. Anytime you think someone owes you something, it is a
limit on your happiness. I would like to die in the thought that I did
something for the advancement of librarianship and education. The book
'Pioneers of Library Movement in India: A Tribute by Satkal' is one more
humble contribution to the professional literature by the Trust"
*Prof. Jagindar Singh Ramdev, Founder, and Patron-in-Chief, SATKAL*
“He had a firm conviction that it was possible for everyone, even an
ordinary man, to develop the same kind of love for books that he had.
Sayajirao believed that if a library is once opened in a community, the
people would get used to books to such an extent that they would continue
to support it forever. If this had been true, all the money, labour, and
energy expended by modern public libraries even today for publicity and
promotion to generate and sustain interest of the people for books and
reading would be uncalled for. In fact, there is always a need for
sustained effort to bring the reader to the library or even to reach him at
his home. An effective library service cannot be maintained without
extensive library propaganda.”
*Murari Lal Nagar* *(Quoted in Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III: A Visionary
Ruler)*
“He (W. A. Borden) apparently displayed his ingenuity to the fullest extent
and labored hard. With a splendid cooperation of his Indian colleagues, he
was able to work wonders, creating a remarkable Library System in the
progressive State of Baroda. Mr. Borden, Mr. Motibhai Amin, Mr. Kudalkar,
Mr. Dutt and Mr. T.D. Waknis were major resource persons in translating
Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad’s ideology and thinking of library movement, to
implementation stage."
*P. S. G. Kumar (Quoted in Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III: A Visionary
Ruler)*
“There is no doubt that Dickinson was the founding father of modern
librarianship in British India and for that matter of Pakistan. If his wish
for further work of reorganizing libraries had been accepted by the then
British authorities, libraries in this part of the world would have
progressed far rapidly than these did in the next 40 years after his
departure from India.”
*Mumtaz A. Anwar, Hon. Professor, DLIS, University of the **Punjab**, **
Lahore***
“The moving spirit behind library movement in Andhra was Padmashrt Iyyanki
Venkataramanayya. Popularly known as Iyyanki. …He completed his school
education in 1903. He could not prosecute his studies further owing to his
deep involvement in the National Movement. Iyyanki realized that illiteracy
was the root-cause of the social and economic problems of India. He felt
that libraries were as powerful as educational institutions in eradicating
illiteracy. This led him to start the library movement. He joined the Ram
Mohun Library as its Secretary in 1911. This library made rapid strides
under his leadership. He also worked as the Secretary. Andhra Desa Library
Association from its inception in 1914 to 1939. He built-up the Andhra
Movement as a model to the entire country.”
*P. S. G. Kumar, Former Head, DLIS, **Nagpur** **University**, **Nagpur***
* *
“He (Ranganathan) was of the strong conviction that libraries are force in
education including adult education. His dream was to provide free book
service to all Indians. …Crusader in him never stifled the scientist he
was. He possessed a radical and fertile mind. His deliberations on the
theory of library science metamorphosed its very face. In his first book *The
Five Laws of Library Science *(1931), now a classic (reprinted many times);
he gave library science its normative principles. This book is a sum and
summary of his entire library philosophy and became the fountain head of
all his later writings.”
*M. P. Satija,** **Former Professor & Head, DLIS, GNDU, **Amritsar***
* *
“He (S. Bashiruddin) was pioneer in many respects. He was first
fullfledged AMU librarian. He brought all the books including the
prestigious collection of manuscripts, for the first time, under one roof
in MA library. He was the first to introduce ‘Certificate in Library
Science’ in the University. He was the man who started first of all a
postgraduate degree course as ‘Bachelor in Library Science’ in the country.
He was the first to open job avenues for girls in the University Library,
Aligarh. He was the unique librarian who served four other university
libraries after being relinquished from Aligarh. Dr. S R Ranganathan was
the ‘Father of Library Science’ in India whereas Prof. Bashiruddinn was
exceptionally a harbinger in the field of Library Science. In recognition
the Government of India awarded him Padma Shri in June 1976 although he
deserved to be considered for a higher Padma award.”
*Habibur Rahman Chighani, Former Director, Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library, **
Patna***
* *
In the words of Keswan,"what is Marshall's contribution to
librarianship? The answer is he himself and in that answer is contained a
world of significance. What he has done is to build a great tradition of
service to scholarship, both postgraduate and undergraduate which has to be
seen to be believed. ...His professional life with its deep involvements
and incorruptible integrity was so exemplary that he led without wanting to
lead". "We the librarians of India would like to salute him on the
occasion of his retirement and to say that we feel taller because he was
and is one among us."
*K. Navalani, Former Professor & Head, DLIS, **Punjabi** **University**, **
Patiala***
* *
* *“I will now turn my attention to Kesavan’s contribution to the National
Library, the Indian National Bibliography (INB), and his profession in
Indiaand in other countries. Kesavan took charge of the Imperial
Library in
March 1948. The challenge that he first faced concerned Pakistan’s claim to
a part of the stock of books in the Imperial Library and other governmental
libraries as a consequence of partition. In a famous picture that appeared
in the American weekly *Time Magazine*, Kesavan is seen as a harried
librarian sitting between two piles of books on either side labeled ‘India’
and ‘Pakistan’.”
*L. J. Haravu, Trustee, Kesavan Institute of Information and Knowledge
Management, **Mysore** *
“Prof. Das Gupta was a great teacher, with amazing depth of knowledge, not
just in Library related subjects but also in the entire universe of
knowledge, with an unparalleled eloquence, always with convincing arguments
and strong convictions. As an academician, he was respected by entire
teaching community of the University and was a very popular friend of all
departments and faculties. Even Vice Chancellors like C. D. Deshmukh had
great regard for him. The two decades from 1946 to 1966, when he was in the
University of Delhi virtually he was at the helm of affairs of every
library matter in the country.”
*C. A. Augustine, Former Head, DLIS, **University** of **Kerala**, **
Trivandrum***
* *
“During the five years of his (D. R. Kalia) directorship of DPL, his fame
had spread like a forest fire both within the country and abroad. He
reached the end of his five year tenure on 31 January 1956, starting 1 Feb
1951. His stars were in ascendance. A month before the end of his tenure,
he had a chance meeting with Dr. Luther Evans, Director General of Unesco
which was holding its annual conference at New Delhi in December 1955.
Impressed with Kalia’s work at Delhi Public Library, Dr. Evans queried
Kalia if he could possibly be available to Unesco for extending the benefit
of his experience to countries where such experiences was required, of
course when he was free from his present assignment. Kalia made his mind
known to Dr. Evans in the affirmative. He was thirty-five at the end of his
DPL tenure.”
*M. L. Saini, Former Librarian, **University** of **Delhi**, **Delhi***
* *
"Dr. Sharma faced an uphill task of shifting the University
Library from Simla to Chandigarh. However, with the co-operation of his
colleagues, shifting was done smoothly by the middle of December, 1959.
...Dr. Sharma assisted Mr. Mons. P. Jeanneret, a French Architect, in
designing Panjab University Library building and its furniture. ...A
magnificent five storied building of the library with its valuable
collection came into existence. The first air conditioned University
Library in the country, situated in the heart of the University Campus,
surrounded by the teaching departments and the University hostels, can
claim to be the largest library in the region. The credit goes to Dr.
Sharma and his dedicated colleagues who worked day in and day out. The
library was formally inaugurated by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime
Minister of India in October, 1963."
*D.R. Grover, Retired Faculty, DLIS and V.K. Grover, Deputy Librarian, A.C.
Joshi Library, P.U. Chandigarh *
* *
“Ranganathan had remarked about *Herald of Library* *Science* when it was
launched that it is *the tenth organ of librarianship in **India**… This is
second such organ to be started by my friend Prithvinath Kaula*. Alas after
his demise, no issue has been published. It seems that *Herald of Library
Science* has also died along with him, though S R Ranganathan had wished
that it will… live long under his care (Kaula).”
*A. S. Chandel, Former Head, DLIS, NEHU, Shillong*
* *
“I was very impressed by Ganesh Bhattacharyya. In my memory, the image of
him is framed in gold. He influenced me on a professional level. A scholar
with a theoretical bent; he made me understand the importance of the
principles underlying systems for organizing information. Though such
generalities derive from Ranaganthan, filtered through Bhattacharyya's
systematic and imaginative mind, they had a power and persuasiveness that
reordered my intellectual life; leading me to go India to study at the
Documentation Research and Training Center; later on to chair a working
group at IFLA on the principles underlying subject heading languages; and
eventually to write my book on the intellectual foundations of information
organization.”
*Elaine Svenonius, Professor Emerita, DLIS, UCLA, Los Angeles, California*
"Shri Subba Rao has greatly contributed to the LIS profession
by his active involvement in spear heading for the creation of an All India
Library Service cadre and also parity in the pay scales and other service
conditions of the library professionals. Most of his suggestions submitted
through the Memorandum to the Fifth Pay Commission have been recommended by
it and were accepted by the Government of India. In addition to this, he
has also strived hard to sort out the anomalies in the pay scales
recommended by the Fourth Pay Commission for the library professionals,
some of which have been endorsed by the Fifth Pay Commission also. For
these activities, he mobilized all the library professionals and organised
seminars to find solutions to these thorny issues. He has also carried out
research on the variation of exchange rates of major foreign currencies
over five years based on RBI exchange rates vis-a-vis Good Offices
Committee, and suggested a formula for adoption by the libraries. He
rendered selfless service to the profession honestly and sincerely."
*R. C. Gaur, University Librarian, **Jawaharlal** **Nehru** **University**,
**New Delhi***
"Professor Tikekar was such a magnet that organized information
and staff through his five decades of experience in managing different
types of academic libraries and teaching Library and Information Science to
the students in the University of Mumbai. His method of teaching was both
anecdotal and experimental, and that was one of his major attributes. ... He
had lately coined the slogan “A librarian Never Retires” which slogan he
had printed on his last visiting card. ... Professor Tikekar was all for
the modernization of libraries and he helped a number of libraries in their
efforts to get modernized. He was of the view that ICT was set to make
far-reaching changes in the library field and librarians should adopt ICT
with devotion and high deal of expertise. He also advised the Departments
of Library and Information Science to adopt new courses that will bring in
new talent and introduce transformation of libraries.
*H. K. Kaul, Director, DELNET, JNU Campus, **Nelson Mandela Road**, **New
Delhi** *
* *
* *
*About the Editor*
Dr. Jagtar Singh presently working as Professor in the Department of
Library and Information Science, Punjabi University, Patiala (India) has 30
years of teaching and research experience, and about 100 papers and five
books to his credit. He is a recipient of the Commonwealth Academic Staff
Fellowship (1992), the Ken Haycock Leadership Development Award (2005)
(IASL), and PLA-Prof. M.P. Satija Award for Professional Excellence 2008.
He has also been awarded Certificate of Appreciation by UNESCO for
outstanding contributions to the Training-The-Trainers (TTT) in Information
Literacy Workshop 2009. He is a Standing Committee Member of the
*Classification
and Indexing Section* of IFLA. He has also served as Director-Asia,
International Association of School Librarianship (IASL), as well as a
Consultant Professor for the Ph. D Programme at the National Institute of
Library and Information Sciences (NILIS), University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
He has visited 20 countries on various academic assignments. He is the
President of the Indian Association of Teachers of Library and Information
Science (IATLIS), the Punjab Library Association (PLA), and the Satinder
Kaur Ramdev Memorial Trust for Advancement of Librarianship (SATKAL). He is
a Governing Council Member of the Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation,
Kolkata. He is Chairman (South Asia) of the UNESCO Supported International
Media and Information Literacy Survey (IMILS) Project, and also a member of
the ‘Working Group on National Virtual Library, Modernization and
Networking of Libraries’ of the National Mission on Libraries, Government
of India.
Dr. Jagtar Singh,
President, Indian Association of Teachers of Library and Information
Science (IATLIS),
President, Punjab Library Association (PLA),
President, SATKAL
&
Professor, Department of Library and Information Science,
Punjabi University, Patiala
Pin - 147 002 (India)
Email: jagtar.kindu(a)gmail.com
Tel: +91 (0)175 304 6179 (Work)
+91 (0)175 228 2727 (Home)
Fax: +91 (0)175 228 3073
--
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