Srinagar: Director National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Sehgal on Friday said books are considered as best companions of human civilizations and continue to guide, instruct and inspire us throughout our lives.
In a special message on World Book Day, Prof. Sehgal said books have played an important role in modeling human civilizations across the globe.
“Books have been an integral part of society for ages and they still hold relevance in this digital era. Nothing can surpass the charm of books which still stand strong against the tide of this ever-changing e-world,” he said.
Prof. Sehgal urged students to avail e-resources, and read good books to enhance their existing knowledge.
“At NIT, we have the richest collection of more than 70000 text and reference books. From the past several years more books have been added to its collection,” he said.
Prof. Sehgal said to cater to the needs of SC, OBC, and ST students; the campus library has a separate section that comprises more than 10,000 books.
“From the same section, students can avail the benefit of reading books and references for a full semester,” he said.
The theme for World Book Day 2022 is ‘Read…So you never feel alone.’ The day was first observed by UNESCO on April 23, 1995, worldwide to encourage young people to discover the pleasure of reading.
Institute’s Registrar, Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari said books have played an important role in framing the opinion of the people.
“I urge the young generation to inculcate the habit of book reading,” he said.
Renowned philosopher and author, Lisa See once said, “Read a thousand books, and your words will flow like a river,”
“Books are the best critics and best campaigns,” Prof. Bukhari said.
In his message, Chairman Library Committee, Central library NIT Srinagar Prof.Aijaz Ahmad Zargar said the campus library is being upgraded with all modern facilities.
“It has a wide range of academic content for students, concept videos for clarity to a learner for better assimilation and retention, “he said.
Prof. Zargar said for the past three years, the library has been equipped with many additional digital technologies including RFID System, high-density data servers, OPAC kiosks, etc.
“Reading books can enhance the imagination and creativity of students and increase their positive thinking. Reading is one of the few activities that require undivided attention, therefore, improving ability to concentrate,” he said.
To promote book reading culture on the campus, we have subscribed to e-journals, e-magazines, and digital literature at the library, Prof.Zargar said.
Deputy Librarian Central library NIT Srinagar,Asmat Ali highlighted the importance of world book day. She said books are considered a “store of information” using which we can gain information by reading at any time.
Keeping in view the patron’s demand for relevant information in their field of research work and studies, Asmat said that they have subscribed to the information resources and database (Science-Direct, Scopus, IEEE) e-Journals/e-Books by renowned publishers.
She said both students and scholars visit the library and avail its services till late hours. We urge students to explore the physical and digital library of NIT Srinagar, Asmat said.
“Our team is always ready to help and assist the patrons. Training services, as well as user awareness programs, are being organized by the central library frequently,” she added.

KR Desk