Akhilesh Chandra Saxena
Bareilly: In compliance with the directions of Uttar Pradesh Governor and Chancellor Anandiben Patel, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University (MJPRU), Bareilly, has launched a Book Reading Campaign through its Central Library to promote a vibrant reading culture and strengthen academic engagement across the university community.
The initiative has been introduced under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.P. Singh with the objective of encouraging students to balance the use of digital resources with regular book reading while fostering an environment of knowledge, research and intellectual development on campus.
The campaign was inaugurated with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a Saraswati Vandana by Deputy Librarian Dr. Vineet Jain. Participants were welcomed by Chief Librarian Dr. Mahesh Singh, who presented bouquets and mementoes to the guests. In his address, Dr. Singh described the Central Library as more than a repository of books, calling it a hub for knowledge, innovation, research and intellectual growth. He noted that the campaign reflects Chancellor Anandiben Patel’s vision of cultivating reading habits in universities across the state and encouraging students to make full use of the library’s extensive resources.
Delivering the keynote address, Controller of Examinations Dr. Anil Kumar Yadav emphasised that while the internet provides instant access to information, books remain indispensable for developing in-depth understanding, analytical thinking and intellectual maturity. He encouraged students to dedicate time every day to reading and make effective use of both the library’s print and digital collections. He also highlighted the importance of regular reading for competitive examinations, research and higher education.
Registrar Mahendra Kumar, the chief guest, described books as lifelong companions and sources of inspiration. He observed that excessive dependence on social media and mobile devices has affected reading habits among young people and said the campaign would help reconnect students with meaningful academic learning. He urged students to resolve to read at least one book every month to enhance their language skills, confidence, decision-making abilities and leadership qualities.
Dean of Student Welfare Vinay Rishiwal said reading should not be viewed merely as a means to pass examinations but as a lifelong process of personal enrichment. He encouraged students to explore literature, biographies, science, history, culture and contemporary subjects in addition to their prescribed textbooks for holistic intellectual development.
During the event, students were introduced to the Central Library’s modern facilities, including its extensive print collection, reference materials, research journals, e-books, e-journals, digital library and other online learning resources. Participants also shared their reading experiences, with many pledging to visit the library regularly and read a new book every week.
Dr. Mahesh Singh announced that the Central Library will organise book exhibitions, book review sessions, author interactions, reading workshops and reading competitions in the future to further strengthen the culture of reading and research within the university.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from deans, heads of departments, faculty members, university officials, staff, research scholars and students. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Deputy Librarian Dr. Subhash Chandra, who expressed confidence that the Book Reading Campaign would establish a lasting tradition of academic excellence, research and lifelong learning at Rohilkhand University.
