Amit Shah Urges Youth to Develop Reading Habits Through Libraries
Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged the younger generation to develop the habit of reading while inaugurating the Jayaprakash Narayan Library in New Delhi.
Describing libraries as centres of knowledge and wisdom, Amit Shah said the future of the country is reflected not in the number of markets or industries but in the number of young people visiting libraries. He added that the newly inaugurated library would become an important centre for learning, research and intellectual discussions.
Paying tribute to Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, Amit Shah described him as a great freedom fighter, thinker and leader who devoted his life to serving the nation. He said the library dedicated to Jayaprakash Narayan would inspire people, especially the youth, to understand his ideals. It would also help them develop a deeper interest in reading.
According to the Home Minister, books not only provide knowledge but also help people develop wisdom, discipline and a broader understanding of society. Recalling his childhood, Amit Shah said his association with a local library gradually introduced him to the Vedas, the Upanishads and several other books. These books shaped his thinking.
Libraries: A Key to Nation Building
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said every activity that contributes to nation-building begins with knowledge. He added that knowledge transforms into wisdom when it is put into practice.
He said libraries play an important role in preserving knowledge and making it accessible to society. As a result, they are essential for the country’s development. Furthermore, the Home Minister stressed the need to encourage reading habits among students from an early age. He urged the Delhi Government to prepare a comprehensive plan to connect libraries across the city. He also urged it to link them with schools so that children visit libraries regularly and develop an interest in reading.
To highlight this, sharing an example from his Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency, Amit Shah said nearly every village has a library with around 3,000 to 4,000 books. These village libraries are connected to a central library with more than 1.25 lakh books. He also said four mobile library vans now provide children in villages with books of their choice every week.
Modern Facilities at the Library
Highlighting the features of the newly inaugurated library, Amit Shah said it houses more than 32,000 books. It also includes a dedicated research centre, a children’s section, a modern reading hall and a multipurpose auditorium.
In addition, the library provides free access to nearly one crore digital books through its e-library. This allows readers to explore a vast collection of learning material. The library has free Wi-Fi, an RFID-based book management system, interactive digital monitors and the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). The OPAC connects to the National Digital Library of India.
According to Amit Shah, these facilities would make learning more convenient for students, researchers and readers. They would also combine traditional reading with modern technology. Furthermore, he appealed to the staff of the Jayaprakash Narayan Library to actively connect with nearby schools and encourage students to visit the library regularly. He expressed confidence that once young people develop the habit of reading, they would continue it throughout their lives.
Amit Shah Pays Tribute to Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan
Remembering Jayaprakash Narayan, Amit Shah said his life reflected dedication to public service rather than the pursuit of power.
He recalled JP’s role in the freedom movement, his association with the Socialist movement, his support for Vinoba Bhave’s Bhoodan Movement and his efforts in persuading more than 200 Chambal dacoits to surrender.
Referring to the Emergency, Amit Shah said Jayaprakash Narayan stood firmly against authoritarianism and gave the historic call for Sampoorna Kranti. He noted that several opposition leaders, including Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L.K. Advani, were imprisoned during the Emergency, while Jayaprakash Narayan emerged as a symbol of hope for the nation.
Concluding his address, Amit Shah urged the youth to make full use of the Jayaprakash Narayan Library. He said such institutions would play a crucial role in building a knowledgeable society and contribute to the vision of a developed and self-reliant India by 2047.
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