Libraries are true treasure of knowledge: Waqf Board chief

Nellore: Describing libraries as true treasures of knowledge, Andhra Pradesh Waqf Board Chairman Shaik Abdul Aziz has stressed the urgent need to modernize libraries with advanced facilities and transform them into dynamic centres of guidance for the youth.

Participating as the chief guest at the inaugural programme of the 59th National Library Week celebrations at the District Central Library in Nellore on Saturday—organized under the chairpersonship of District Library Organisation Chairperson Mekapati Shanthikumar—Abdul Aziz noted that many prominent personalities across various fields built their careers by utilizing library resources.

He cautioned against treating libraries merely as old book repositories, emphasizing their historical role as foundational pillars for diverse academic disciplines. Addressing financial challenges, the Chairman revealed that approximately Rs. 50 crore in library cess funds due from local bodies remains pending.

He assured that he would bring this matter to the attention of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to facilitate timely fund releases for institutional development.

Furthermore, he praised the state government’s steps under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Education Minister Nara Lokesh to modernize libraries. He recommended introducing a centralized subscription system for digital books, establishing Wi-Fi and computer facilities, and offering free study materials for competitive exams like UPSC, NEET, and JEE.

Mekapati Shanthikumar was commended for her proactive leadership in advancing Nellore district libraries.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

M Srinivasa Rao

M Srinivasa Rao[email protected]

M Srinivasa Rao is Staff Reporter for SPSR Nellore District for The Hans India. A seasoned journalist with over 32 years of experience in both English and Telugu journalism. Throughout his career, he has worked with leading Telugu dailies, including Udayam, Andhra Jyothi, and Andhra Prabha, as well as prominent English newspapers such as The Indian Express. He began his journalistic career with Udayam in Tirupati, Chittoor district, where he worked from 1990 to 1992. He then served with Andhra Jyothi and Andhra Prabha in SPSR Nellore district from 1992 to 2006. From 2007 to 2016, he worked as a Staff Reporter for The Indian Express in SPSR Nellore district. Between 2016 and 2019, he was associated with The Hans India in YSR Kadapa district. Over the course of his three-decade-long career, Srinivasa Rao has extensively covered a wide range of beats, with particular expertise in social, economic, crime, and political affairs. He is passionate about reporting on current issues that have a significant impact on society and public life. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) degree from Sri Venkateswara University in 1985.

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