Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addresses the Valedictory Ceremony of the Festival of Libraries at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

New Delhi : The Valedictory Ceremony, on the second day of the first-ever ‘Festival of Libraries 2023’, witnessed the gracious presence of the Vice-President of India, Sh. Jagdeep Dhankhar. The festival, organised by the Union Ministry of Culture, was inaugurated by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu yesterday.
MoS , Culture and External Affairs, Smt Meenakashi Lekhi, and Secretary, Culture Shs Govind Mohan, Joint Secretary, Culture Smt. Mugdha Sinha were among those present on the occasion. The Festival of Libraries, a part of the second phase of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of promoting the development and digitisation of libraries in India while fostering a culture of reading.
Addressing the Valedictory Ceremony of the Festival of Libraries today, Shri Dhankhar described informed citizen as the greatest spinal strength of any democratic process. Underscoring that only an informed citizenry can neutralize anti-national forces & narratives, he said that libraries are quintessential to achieve informed citizen status.
Praising the Ministry of Culture for this visionary initiative, Shri Dhankhar expressed confidence that it will promote the culture of reading in the country. “Library development brings about development of society and culture. It is also a measure of progress of civilizations and cultures,” he said.
Lauding the efforts to employ technology for libraries, he said that digital library initiative breaks barriers, empowering all citizens with access to knowledge. Education is the only transformational mechanism available to change the civilizational growth.
On this occasion, the Vice President also released a Coffee Table Book based on the writings of our freedom fighters, that were banned by the colonial rule. Describing the Coffee Table Book as befitting tribute to our Constitution and freedom fighters, VP called it “the most authentic record of Indian genius for freedom, for our value system.
It makes available to you what was hidden from you & what was proscribed.” Recalling the innumerable sacrifices made by our forefathers for the sake of country’s independence, he asked all present to persuade every child to go through this unique book.