|

More on Ummid : International l National l  Regional l Politics l  Sports l  Religion l History l Culture l Education

The Power of Reading

 By Aleem Faizee

On the verge of completing 150 years of successful run, Kakani Libray  management in Malegaon, is planning many more projects in coming years for the betterment of people.  

One enters the P. B. Kakani Vachnalay and it will be realized immediately that it is not just a library but is “an enlightening nucleus”, guiding generations of Malegaon since more than hundred years.

In 1857, after the first Independence Struggle, The British Establishment in India decided to establish libraries in major Indian cities. Malegaon, in Dhule district then, was a small town; still it was among renowned places with Municipal Council, which originated in 1863.  Hence in 1864, it was decided to establish a library, along with Nashik city, in Malegaon also. These libraries were named as Native General Library.

The library was shifted to its existing two-storey building near magnificent Urdu Library building in 1880. When the freedom struggle got momentum, Native General Library, a small library at Tilak Road Dharamshala, became Malegaon Nagar Vachnalay and finally been renamed as P. B. Kakani Vachnalay in 1932. Its course towards becoming a cultural hub had begun.

Dr. D. S. Kulkarni, president, said, “In 1964, under my chairmanship during century celebration of the library, it was decided to transform this library into a cultural center. The Library stared arranging regular programs and debates on various educational and social issues in memory of noted Marathi writer, P. L. Deshpande. The topics are declared fifteen days in advance and a prominent speaker on the topic is invited from outside. This month’s topic, for example, is how to combat lavish expenses in marriages?”

To steer children to reading, special programs are arranged for them every second and fourth Sundays of a month. The programs include Katha-Khatan, story telling and Kavita-Gayan-vachan, poetry awareness. Toffees and chocolates are distributed to the children by Ravalgaon Sugar Farms, which is also contributing with Rs.50, 000/- annually for these events.

Besides these monthly events, annual programs are organized every Dessehra during all nine days of the Navaratri, with two days’ special programs dedicated for women. During summer vacations in May, books are specially kept for children free of cost.

Rajendra Sonar, Dr. S.R. Ranganathan best librarian award winner, said “The library, which had just 3000 books and 200 members in 1964, has over 52000 books and 1500 members now and is second to Nashik Sarvajanik Library.” He added the library had been awarded with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Utkarsh Granthalay, best library award, in the year 2005-06.

With an annual budget of over 10 lakhs and fee of a meager Rs.100 per annum, the library is depending on donations and government grants for its endure. Recently received five lakhs rupees, as special grant, have helped in renovating the library and purchasing the books.

                                                         Home | Top of the page      

  Comment on this article

Ummid.com: Home | Contact Us | Disclaimer | Terms of Use | About Us | Feedback

Ummid Business: Advertise with us | Careers | Link Exchange

Ummid.com is part of the Awaz Multimedia & Publications providing World News, News Analysis and Feature Articles on Education, Health. Politics, Technology, Sports, Entertainment, Industry etc. The articles or the views displayed on this website are for public information and in no way describe the editorial views. The users are entitled to use this site subject to the terms and condition mentioned.