Public Library Day Celebrated in Kota: 25 Readers Honoured,

Kota | The Divisional-Level National Public Library Day was celebrated with grandeur at the Government Public Mandal Library, Kota, to mark the birth anniversary of Raja Ram Mohan Roy. With the theme “Relevance of Raja Ram Mohan Roy in the Present Social Context”, the event highlighted the ongoing importance of Roy’s vision in modern India.

The program was graced by senior lyricist and novelist Vishwamitra Dadhich as the Chief Guest. The session was chaired by Raju Gupta, former CEO of Featherlight Group. Eminent academic Dr. Vivek Kumar Mishra, Professor of Hindi, served as the keynote speaker, while former director of the State Forensic Science Laboratory, Dr. Vinod Jain, and veteran Rajasthani lyricist Mukut Maniraj were present as special guests. Other notable invitees included Miss Grand India Top 10 finalist Vishakha Kanwar and young poet Ashwini Tripathi. The proceedings were conducted by young writer Nahush Vyas.

In his address, Library President Dr. Deepak Srivastava emphasized the enduring relevance of Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s ideas in today’s society, especially regarding modernization and social reform. Chief Guest Vishwamitra Dadhich hailed public libraries as "living mediums of social consciousness," while Chairman Raju Gupta stressed the role of libraries in the democratization of knowledge. Dr. Vivek Mishra noted that libraries must become active platforms for dialogue against social rigidity.

As a highlight of the occasion, Mukut Maniraj was conferred with the Public Library Pride Award – 2025, recognizing his contributions to Rajasthani literature, particularly his award-winning book Gaon aur Amma.

A total of 25 readers and contributors were honoured across various categories:

Reading Excellence Awards: Dr. Ajay Kulkarni (Best Reader), Kanhaiya Lal Gochar (Most Frequent Visitor), Shailendra Sharma (Top Borrower), Ajit Singh Singhi (Consistent Reader), Gaurav Sharma (Young Reader Champion), Bigul Kumar Jain (Senior Reader Award).

Engagement Awards: Narendra Sharma (Library Ambassador), Navya Sharma (Active Participant), Santosh Kashyap (Best Volunteer), Pallavi Jain and family (Family Reading Award).

Special Contribution Awards: Dr. Madhusudan Chaudhary (Knowledge Seeker), Yogendra Singh Tanwar (Creative User), Ramniwas Dhakad (Digital Navigation), Arvind Saxena (Inclusive Champion).

Youth and Community Focused Awards: Prastuti (Children’s Reader Star), Deeksha Nagar (Teen Library Icon), Vidushi Raj Suwalka (Best Story Listener), Mukesh Jangid (School Library Supporter).

Special Recognition: Ganesh Jangid (Community Reading Champion), Shivali Chopra (Reading Against Odds), Arpit Jain (Visually Impaired Reader), Narayan Lal Sharma (Lifetime Library User).

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Shashi Jain, Reference Library Head, who praised the collective role of libraries in promoting knowledge, dialogue, and cultural awareness in society.