Libraries Are the Backbone of Higher Education: Chhattisgarh Library Association Awards 2026 Held in Bilaspur

Bilaspur, January 27, 2026 : In a significant step toward strengthening the culture of study, research, and intellectual development in the state, the Chhattisgarh Library Association organized a grand Award Ceremony 2026 on Tuesday. The event drew a large gathering of librarians, academicians, Library and Information Science (LIS) students, research scholars, and distinguished members of the education sector from across Chhattisgarh.

The ceremony went beyond the formal distribution of awards and focused on a broader dialogue about the role, relevance, and future direction of libraries in society. Speakers unanimously emphasized that libraries are indicators of a society’s intellectual health and that quality education cannot be imagined without a strong and functional library system.

The chief guest, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu, highlighted the central role of libraries in higher education. He said that habits of reading and research are nurtured through libraries and referred to the Prime Minister’s vision of a knowledge-based society. He noted that even in the digital era, libraries have become more important as they transform information into meaningful knowledge.

The program was chaired by Smt. Pooja Vidhani, Mayor of the Bilaspur Municipal Corporation. She described libraries as a “Knowledge Resource Center,” open to all regardless of age, class, or background. She also underlined the contribution of public libraries and institutional libraries in Bilaspur to inclusive social development.

Special guest Shri Rajneesh Singh, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Cooperative Bank, Bilaspur, shared personal experiences from his student life and spoke about the decisive role libraries played in shaping his personality. BJP Mandal President, Lormi, Sushil Yadav, congratulated the Association for the successful event and stressed the need to take the library movement to the grassroots.

During the academic session, Dr. U. K. Srivastava Principal of Swami Atmanand Government English Medium College, Bilaspur, and Dr. Brajesh Tiwari, Head of the Department of Library and Information Science at Guru Ghasidas University, discussed the changing role of libraries at the school, college, and university levels. Dr. Tiwari underlined the significance of the Chhattisgarh Public Library Act, 2008, describing it as a strong legal foundation for the development of libraries in the state. Addressing the gathering, Association President Dr. Kundan explained that in the information age, libraries have evolved into comprehensive knowledge resource centers.

On this occasion, the Chhattisgarh Library Association presented awards in 15 different categories. The Association also announced the institution of the LIS Lifetime Achievement Award in memory of the late Dr. Ram Gopal Yadav, marking the beginning of a new tradition of honor. The award was presented in the presence of his family members, senior LIS academicians, and library professionals.

Under the LIS Best Academic Library Award, libraries of Swami Atmanand Government English Medium Model College, IIHT Champa, PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya Kanker, and the Bilaspur District Library were honored for their contributions.

The successful organization of the program was attributed to the dedicated efforts of Convener Dr. Ram Kirtan Tiwari, Association President Dr. Kundan, Secretary Dr. Avinash Singh Thakur, Treasurer Dr. Pramod Sharma, Vice President Shri Bihari Lal Patel, and member Sonam Sharma. Dr. Nidhi Gupta delivered the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the event.

The association also extended special thanks to Dr. Ram Kirtan Tiwari for his valuable support. The Chhattisgarh Library Association formally instituted the CGLA Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of Lt. Dr. Ram Gopal Yadav Ji.

Discussions also covered emerging technologies in academic libraries. Dr. Dilip Choudhary, Librarian and Public Relations Officer at Chhattisgarh Kamdhenu University, spoke on the role of artificial intelligence in academic libraries. Librarians from agricultural colleges, including Dr. D. S. Mahipal (Ambikapur), Dr. Rakhraj Sahu (Champa), and Mr. Shravan Yadav (Korea), highlighted the contribution of libraries to agricultural education and the overall development of students.

The ceremony delivered a clear message that libraries are not merely collections of books, but vibrant centers of knowledge that guide society. By infusing new energy into the library movement in Chhattisgarh, the event once again placed the importance of study, research, and a thoughtful society at the forefront.