While technology can make knowledge available at the click of a button, healthy reading habits are also equally important, Mrs Pratibha Patil said while addressing a meeting celebrating the 150th year of Uttarpara Jaikrishna Public Library.
Urging all, particularly the
youth to develop reading habits, the President said that books speak of the
past, keeps one aware of the present and give guidance about the future.
Reminding the audience of the proverb, "good books serve
as your best friend", the President handed over a cheque of 10 lakh rupees
to the library authorities for the preservation of its rich and priceless
collection.
The library authorities' request for support for assistance to modernization scheme has been forwarded to the Union ministry of culture, she said. Just as rare books are being digitized they should be preserved, Governor Mr Gopal Krishna Gandhi said. An old book is like an aged relation who needs to be cared for beside being photographed, he said and drew the biggest applause having delivered his entire short speech in Bengali.
