Shyam assures to refurbish library movement

IMPHAL | Sept 10

A one-day public awareness programme in memory of the contribution of (L) Dr. Huirongbam Atulchandra Singh in establishing public library in Manipur was organised at the Conference Hall of Manipur University library today.

The function was attended by minister of CAF & PD, W & M, Revenue, Karam Shyam, vice-chancellor of MU, Professor Adya Prasad Pandey, Librarian, Manipur University of Culture, Thounaojam Khomdon Singh and Librarian (i/c), Manipur University, Professor Th. Madhuri Devi as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

Highlighting the role of library as a significant part of education and human civilisation, minister Karam Shyam assured that the state will develop only with adequate knowledge, brainstorming and analysing in all possible areas. He further said that a leader must be committed to his words and implement it irrespective of all the hustle and bustle of error-stricken everyday life of Manipur and added that he will try his level best to build a Manipur Public Library and extend all possible help to start a library movement with a holistic approach.

Karam Shyam also convinced that talks are on with the chief minister regarding the issue of shifting army settlement from the university campus to some other appropriate locations. “The university is a centre of high educational excellence and it should not be controlled by the army”, he also said.

Delivering his presidential address, Professor Adya Prasad Pandey said that it is our overall societal responsibility to develop academic institutions for a better society and all suggestions to develop MU and its welfare are most welcome.

Highlighting that a library is the centre of knowledge where we can learn a lot of things, he stressed on the need of each and every industry to contribute  a bit for the social cause. “The people of Manipur are generous and can do a lot for the development of MU and the state”, he said.

Giving a brief biographical picture of Dr. Huirongbam Atulchandra, assistant professor of  Library Science department, MU, Ch. Ibohal said that Manipur is today celebrating 80 years of public library movement in connection with his 120th birth anniversary as a mark of commemorating his contribution in establishing a public library in Manipur and honouring his noble efforts in setting up educational technical institutions in the early era of the 19th century that are indeed a source of  inspiration for the human generations.

“Born on 10th September, 1897 at Kakwa Nameirakpam Leikai to H. Tunal Singh and Laishram Chaobi Chanu, Atulchandra studied stenography, accountancy and homeopathy at Banarus Hindu University during 1926-1930, then he started free homeopathic treatment when he returned home. He established the Canchipur Polytechnic School, Manipur Book Club and even contested in the Second Manipur Territorial Council Election in 1957 apart from other contributions in the field of art and culture like Ranga Mandir, Mainu Pemcha, Jaidev and embroidery works”, he also said.

Advocate Khaidem Sanjoy, vice-president of UCM, Sunil Karam, grand daughter of (L) Huirongbam Atulchandra, Ch Shantibala, former MUSU president, Ksh. Narayan along with faculties, staff and students of MU took part in the function.