Puttur,12 August 2025: St Philomena College (Autonomous), Puttur, marked National Librarians’ Day on Tuesday, August 12, at Spandana Seminar Hall, honoring the 133rd birth anniversary of Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, the pioneer of India’s Library Science Movement. The event, organized by the college’s Library and Information Centre, saw enthusiastic participation from students and faculty, with Prof. Nemichandra Gowda, a retired Associate Professor of Kannada from Pompei College, Aikala, as the chief resource person. Dr. Vijayakumar Moleyar, Vice Principal, presided over the function.
Books Over Screens: A Call to Read
In his address, Prof. Nemichandra Gowda described the library as “the heart of any education system,” urging students to embrace books over mobile phones. “Stay away from mobile addiction. Read newspapers, expand your vocabulary, While the mobile makes you stoop, books lift you up for a lifetime” he advised, contrasting the impact of screens and books. “The mobile says, ‘Bow your head to look at me, and I’ll keep it bowed forever.’ But a book says, ‘Bow your head to read me, and I’ll help you walk through life with your head held high.’” He also paid tribute to Dr. Ranganathan’s transformative contributions to India’s library system.
Building a Personal Library
Dr Vijayakumar Moleyar, in his presidential remarks, emphasized the importance of reading and encouraged students to curate personal libraries at home. He highlighted must-read books to inspire a lifelong reading habit.
Mr Abdul Rahman G., Librarian of the College, welcomed the guests, while Mr Manohar S.G., Librarian of the PG Centre, proposed the vote of thanks. Ms Gayathri, a III B.Sc. student, compered the programme. The event began with a prayer rendered by Ms Aparna and her group from the College Performing Arts team under the guidance of Assistant Professor Mr Prashanth Rai. Library staff members Ms. Zeeta Noronha and Ms. Catherine Crasta extended their support in organizing the programme.
The event witnessed the participation of 110 students and was also attended by IQAC Coordinator Dr Edwin D’Souza, and Assistant Professors Mr Prashanth Rai, Ms Harshitha P.V., and Mr Bharatha Kumar.
Keywords: St Philomena College Puttur, St Philomena College (Autonomous) Puttur, Puttur News, News Puttur, Puttur Suddi, Suddi Puttur, National Librarians’ Day, St Philomena College, Puttur, Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, library science, reading, books, education, mobile addiction, personal library, Prof. Nemichandra Gowda, Dr. Vijayakumar Moleyar, National Librarians’ Day 2025
