News and pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Nov 19: “Students should make use of books in the library to prepare for competitive examinations such as IAS and KAS,” said district in charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj.

He spoke after inaugurating National Library Week 2016 held by District and City Central Library at Board High school auditorium on Friday November 18. “Students have lagged behind while preparing for competitive examinations such as IAS and KAS due to scarcity of relevant books and information. Therefore, a hi-tech well equipped library costing Rs five crore will be constructed beside Ajjarkad Town Hall. A study centre for competitive examinations and other sections will be opened in it. Rs one crore from the city development authority is already approved for the purpose. Rajya Sabha member, Oscar Fernandes has promised to provide another one crore rupees. I will be trying for release of the remaining Rs three crore from the state government,” he said.

Dr Sathish Kumar S Hosamani, director of the department of libraries in the state speaking on the occasion said that several competitions are held for school and college students to attract readers towards libraries. “67 staff members of different libraries in the state will be felicitated this year with library service awards in order to increase service orientation among the staff,” he said.

Prema M of City Central Library and Shakuntala Kunder of District Central Library were honoured with service awards on the occasion.

Grama panchayat library supervisors Rathnavathi Haradi, Sudha Paduvari and Shashikala Belman were congratulated for enrolling the highest number of members. Winners from schools and colleges in various competitions held as part of library week, were presented prizes. Hebri Government PU College was congratulated for enrolling the highest number of members. Malpe Raghavendra was also felicitated on the occasion.

Zilla Panchayat president Dinaker Babu, Udupi city development authority president B Narasimha Murthy, city library authority vice president Dr Jagadish Rao, Bengaluru library deputy director C J Venkatesh were present.

District and city library chief officer Nalini G I welcomed everyone. City Central Library’s Prema M compered the programme. Librarians Jayashree M, Jagadish Bhat K and Vanitha K introduced the guests. District Central Library’s Shakuntala Kunder propose the vote of thanks.

Earlier the books exhibition held at the City Central Library was inaugurated by City Municipal Council president Meenakshi Madhava Bannanje. Zilla Panchayat CEO Mary Francis inaugurated the student’s march on the occasion.