By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 27: Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma on Monday emphasised on the importance of libraries in school, while speaking at a capacity building programme for library professionals in the digital environment.
The programme was organised by the Department of Library and Information Science, NEHU, here on Monday.
“As library professionals, we should walk towards promoting the love for reading and also to promote one’s own cultures and languages. We should try to document indigenous culture so that it won’t face extinction and promote indigenous knowledge education in school as well,” the Education minister said.
The minister also stressed on the importance of libraries in the society as a repository of knowledge.
He said libraries are important for every household. He also stated that around 60-70% of schools in Meghalaya do not have a proper library.
He stated that the Education department will look into the matter.
The minister also pointed out that libraries can also take the initiative to digitise documents that are of importance.
NEHU faculty from the Department of Library and Information Science, Prof P Hangsing, in his keynote address, spoke about how learning is like rowing in an upward stream.
“While rowing, either we stay at the same place or move upward but once we stop rowing, we fall backwards,” Prof Hangsing said.
NEHU Vice Chancellor in-charge, DK Nayak, also emphasised on the importance of documenting traditional knowledge. He talked about the importance of books and learning.
Nayak also spoke about the role of the library in the digital world.
The programme was funded by the Indian Council of Social Science Research, NE Regional Centre.