OSA Webinar Seeks Steps To Accelerate Modern Public Library Infra Development In Odisha

Chicago: The Odisha Society of the Americas (OSA)’s 54th annual convention has been concluded in Chicago, USA with many socio-cultural activities and seminars.

A panel discussion on “Odisha Public Library Vision 2024: 5T Spirit For Accelerating the Modern Public Library Infrastructure Development In Odisha” was organised during the convention.

The webinar was addressed by Odisha’s Culture Minister  Ashwini Patra, Panchayati Raj Minister Pradeep Amat, and Director Culture/Odisha Parivar Dilip Routrai.

Amat said Sarpanchs have adequate funds to establish public libraries in every grama panchayat and spoke about the steps being taken to set up public libraries in every panchayat of Boudha district. Patra shared the role of public libraries for development of the state.

Routrai said a library directorate will be in place soon to bring all public libraries under a single umbrella and work has already started. He said a directive has been given to make the remaining 13 district libraries operational and library building will be rented for use where library building does not exist.

He said the OSA supported rural model public libraries in Kuldiha of Balasore and Baghada gram panchayat of  Mayurbhanj district will be operational soon with skilled staffing support from the culture department. He also mentioned the support of Chief Ministeri Naveen Pattnaik for OSA’s public library Initiative and enforcement of CM’s 5T vision.

The webinar was moderated by Dr Ajaya K Mohanty, co-chair OPLI and Prasant Bhunya, OPLI board member. President of OSA Gyana Ranjan Pattnaik welcomed the guests.

A video was played on the acute need of modern public libraries in various parts of Odisha, challenges in internet infrastructure and the potential impact with establishment of modern public libraries in Odisha.

OSA Public Library Initiative (OPLI) chair Nishikanta Sahoo briefed about Odisha Public Library Vision 2024 and appealed to the panelists for fast track implementation of public library laws/PR dept. circulars on GP libraries with the spirit of CM’s 5T vision. He discussed how platforms like modern public libraries will serve a broader population in the state, and reduce the capital & operational expenditure.

The role of a knowledge based society and Internet Enabled Economy are vital for the holistic development of Odisha, he said, adding that economic growth can happen with the establishment of a modern public library system.

Lalatendu Mohanty, OPLI board member in his closing remarks appealed to fund the public libraries and bring more public awareness on the impact of public libraries. Leena Mishra, president elect OSA thanked all the panelists and participants.