Dehradun: The Central Government Library Association (CGLA) celebrated National Librarians’ Day 2026 with enthusiasm and dignity at the Bodhi Conference Hall, IGNFA, FRI Campus, Dehradun, on 12 August 2026, commemorating the 134th birth anniversary of Padma Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, revered as the Father of Library and Information Science in India.
The programme brought together more than 60 librarians, library and information science professionals, academicians and distinguished guests, who gathered to remember Dr. Ranganathan’s pioneering contribution and reflect upon the changing role of libraries and information professionals in the contemporary knowledge society.
The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by N.C. Saravanan, Additional Director, IGNFA; Dr. A.K. Suman, President, CGLA; Manish Sharma, General Secretary, CGLA; and other dignitaries. A floral tribute was offered to Dr. S.R. Ranganathan in remembrance of his enduring contribution to the library profession.
The ceremonial proceedings were followed by a soulful musical rendition by Abhinav Thapa of Glacier Public School, accompanied by synthesizer, which created a graceful and auspicious beginning to the celebration. The distinguished guests were also presented with mementos and plant saplings as a gesture of welcome and respect.
The programme was ably compered by Ms. Surabhi Jolly, Librarian, Welham School, who welcomed the distinguished guests and participants and highlighted the importance of libraries in education, research, lifelong learning and community development.
A specially prepared documentary on the life and monumental contributions of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, conceptualised and produced by Manish Sharma, Indian Military Academy, was screened during the programme.
The documentary presented the remarkable journey and visionary contribution of Dr. Ranganathan and his continuing influence on Library and Information Science. The presentation was widely appreciated by the participants and served as a fitting audiovisual tribute to the great library scientist.
The Chief Guest, N.C. Saravanan, Additional Director, IGNFA, shared his inspiring personal and academic journey, recalling how he progressed from a modest background to joining the Indian Forest Service.
He spoke about the important role that reading and books have played throughout his life and emphasised the value of developing a regular reading habit.
In an engaging interaction with the audience, he referred to Dr. Ranganathan’s Five Laws of Library Science, particularly highlighting the principle that “Books are for Use.” He emphasised that the fundamental purpose of a library is to facilitate the effective use of knowledge and information by its users.
His address provided an inspiring connection between his personal journey, the habit of reading and the enduring philosophy of Dr. Ranganathan.
Dr. A.K. Suman, President, CGLA, outlined the activities and achievements of the Association and spoke about its continuing efforts to strengthen the library profession and provide a platform for professional interaction, knowledge sharing and collective growth.
He emphasised the need for greater professional collaboration and continuous capacity building so that librarians can effectively respond to the rapidly changing information environment.
Prof. (Dr.) Shiv Nandan Pandey, Vice President, CGLA, in his address, focused on the evolving role of libraries and information professionals in the technology-driven environment. He emphasised the importance of embracing emerging technologies, including digital tools and Artificial Intelligence, while maintaining the core professional values of librarianship.
Dr. Ramveer Tanwar, Former University Librarian, Uttaranchal University, shared his perspectives on the growing importance of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in modern library services and the need for professionals to adapt to technological developments.
Dr. T.N. Johar, Scientist-F, WIHG, enriched the programme with reflections from his professional experience and recalled his days associated with Delhi University, sharing experiences that offered valuable insights into the evolution of library services and professional life.
Dr. Shiv Prasad Senapati, PLIO, LBSNAA, Mussoorie, who joined the programme online, delivered an insightful address highlighting the continuing importance of libraries and information professionals in creating informed, enlightened and knowledge-driven societies.
A significant highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award to Shri Dhanesh Pandey, Ex-Librarian, Forest Survey of India, in recognition of his distinguished and dedicated service to the library profession.
In his address, Shri Pandey reflected upon his professional journey and emphasised the importance of remaining connected with the profession and continuing to contribute to the library fraternity even after retirement.
The award was warmly appreciated by the gathering as a fitting recognition of his longstanding contribution to the profession.
The distinguished dignitaries were felicitated by the President and General Secretary of CGLA as a mark of respect and appreciation for their presence and contribution to the celebration.
The programme was also attended by several senior professionals and members of the library fraternity, including Ms. C.M. Mamik; Ms. Seema Khanna; Rajan Gupta, Ex-Librarian, Zoological Survey of India; Dr. Sanjeev Sen; Dr. Lal; Ms. Prachi; Ms. Jyoti; Ms. Virkeshwari, Librarian, Wildlife Institute of India; Ms. Priyanka, Research Scholar, and other distinguished participants.
The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks proposed by Shri Manish Sharma, General Secretary, CGLA, who expressed sincere gratitude to the Chief Guest, distinguished speakers, office-bearers, guests, participants, IGNFA administration and technical team for their valuable contribution to the successful celebration.
The celebration of National Librarians’ Day was not merely a tribute to the memory of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, but also a reaffirmation of the enduring relevance of libraries as centres of knowledge, learning, research, culture and social development.
The occasion concluded with a renewed commitment to carry forward Dr. Ranganathan’s vision by making libraries more accessible, technology-enabled, user-oriented and vibrant centres of lifelong learning, while preserving the fundamental values of the library profession.
