Brainstorm- Transforming Society Through Library

[SHIVA KANAKALA]

Dear Friends

Library plays very important role in the development of Society. They offer support of learning and help in shape the new ideas. They are gateway to progress. I think for the overall development of Country like ours there must have a program like Prime Minister's Gram Library Yojana. Every Village should have Library setup by Govt of India with minimum requirements and in turn Gram Panchayat, local body or self help should take for the maintenance of the Library. Gov. Should monitor the overall functioning of Library.  This contributes much more towards the country's development. The culture of Library should will definitely increase the literacy late of country and also helping transforming India. Literature related to Students, Farming practices books and literature in local language should be available in library. This will one way create skill development jobs for local and Library can be transformed in disseminating centres of information . Library can be utilized as dissemination centre e.x providing Information on Climate, Information on Crop for local condition as and when require by the farmers. Librarians should be trained for Multi tasking purpose. Take an example they should able to play role counsellor for the students guide them as and when required. Helping rural community by proving information on Govts various Social development Programs, Providing Information Crop Disease in general etc.. Only Issuing of Books will not serve the purpose. Role of Librarian Should be dynamic and Challenging. For this Govt should provide Skill Development Programme in Librarianship with various capsule skills knowledge related to Village Service. I request all my colleagues to provide their options and discuss on this topic.

[SHIVA KANAKALA]

After posting above writeup to my surprise I read an newspaper article that published on The Indian Express dated Jan5, 2020 which really inspiring and motivating. The article was about farmers’ group in Kerala which runs a library exclusively for farmers. Started in 2017, the library has over 1,000 members and 600-odd books related to agriculture, animal husbandry and other farm ventures. 

When the younger generation wants to enter farming, they should not be left in the dark for want of information on farming practices and techniques. The books in the library would offer them knowledge on farming, animal husbandry and all allied areas. Its membership is open for all farmers

From mobile app to library, a farmers’ club in Kerala district ploughs a unique path
It is the only farmers’ group in Kerala which runs a library exclusively for farmers. Started in 2017, the library has over 1,000 members and 600-odd books related to agriculture, animal husbandry and oth

Started as a group of farmers in 2012, with support from NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), the club in Thodupuzha has a string of interventions to its credit.

The reading room is open to all, but books can be taken home only after paying a one-time membership fee of Rs 500.

The club has also brought out four books on farming, which deal with good practices and stories of successful farmers. The write-ups in these books are by farmers, many of whom have scripted success stories with innovative farming techniques.

For instance, one book published by the club, on “Modern farming and farming practices”, includes an article on mango cultivation by Mathew Madathikkandam, a farmer from Kerala’s mango hub of Muthalamada. Another article in the book, on pepper cultivation, has been authored by George Puliyammakkal, a winner of the National Innovation Foundation award.

“All books have been a hit among farmers, one is into the second edition. This has helped many who wanted to take up farming as a serious profession,’’ says Cheriyan.

The club has opened a shop too, where pesticide-free vegetables and certified organic products are sold at premium prices —The club also have  app for selling and buying agriproducts. The club and its activities have inspired farmers in neighbouring villages to experiment along the same line. Great Job. Taking a leaf out of this Govt has to come out if similar programs like this for every village. Training the youth of the village with skill development program on Library management with various capsule on other skills helping the society. Role of Librarian should be dynamic and multitasking. If such sought of Information centres are opened it will definitely create employment and transform the society.