“Libraries are the soul of civilisation. They guide each generation along the path of knowledge.” This was the message from Dr. Manoj Kumar K, Chief Scientist of the INFLIBNET Centre, University Grants Commission, while addressing the National Librarian’s Day celebration at Assam Down Town University today.
Visiting from Ahmedabad, Dr. Kumar expressed his admiration for Assam’s natural beauty. Delivering his keynote address on ‘Ethics and Integrity in Publications for Strengthening Research’, he underlined the vital role of research in academic and social life, stressing the need for honesty and moral responsibility in scholarly work.
The programme began with a chorus by university students, followed by the welcome address from Vice-Chancellor Dr. Narayan Chandra Talukdar, who greeted the chief guest. Other distinguished guests—journalist and translator Achyut Kumar Patowary, and researcher and journalist Monjit Rajkonwar—were felicitated by Prof. Utpal Datta and Dr. Ruby Goswami respectively.
Speaking on the occasion of National Librarian’s Day, Achyut Kumar Patowary described librarians as “the unsung heroes of the knowledge revolution” and praised the university for meaningfully observing the day as part of its social responsibility.
During the event, Patowary released two scholarly books: Garo Women – Culture and Identity by Dr. Sagarika Mohanta Das, and Holistic Dimension of Innovative Management, jointly edited by Dr. Santosh Kumar Upadhyay and Dr. Ruby Goswami. He commended the faculty for producing academically significant works that contribute to social development, and suggested that the university establish its publication division.
Monjit Rajkonwar, meanwhile, showcased rare first editions of several 19th-century books from his collection, delivering an introductory talk on them before donating the volumes to the university library.
The event also included a felicitation for Prof. Utpal Datta, faculty member of the university, on being awarded the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Rajkonwar honoured him with a book on cinema, while Dean Dr. K.B. Pune presented the official felicitation on behalf of the university.
The ceremony was attended by Registrar Dr. Ashim Barman, Dr. Nitul Jyoti Das, Dr. Yahaya Mazumdar, Dr. Dharmeswar Das, Dr. Jaydeep Goswami, along with several faculty members and students.
