Vice-President Radhakrishnan Calls Libraries ‘Temples of Learning’ at International Conference on Empowering Communities

Vice-President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday virtually addressed the International Conference on “Libraries Empowering Communities – Global Perspectives”, organised by the P. N. Panicker Foundation at Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram, to mark 80 years of Kerala’s organised library movement.

In his message, the Vice-President hailed libraries as “temples of learning” that nurture critical thinking, empower individuals, and strengthen communities. He commended the P. N. Panicker Foundation for its long-standing contribution to promoting reading culture, digital literacy, and social inclusion through knowledge dissemination.

Referring to the Foundation’s guiding motto “Vayichu Valaruka” (Read and Grow), Shri Radhakrishnan said it continues to illuminate society’s path toward enlightenment and empowerment.

Highlighting Bharat’s ancient knowledge traditions, the Vice-President said that the nation has been a land of learning since time immemorial. “From the wisdom of our Epics to the modern library system, India’s civilizational ethos has always celebrated knowledge and wisdom,” he remarked. He also cited the contributions of Adi Shankaracharya, who unified diverse philosophical traditions across Bharat through spiritual awareness and understanding.

Emphasizing the role of libraries in the digital era, Shri Radhakrishnan described them as “trusted guides amid misinformation.” He noted that while technology provides access to vast information, libraries cultivate reflection, authenticity, and dialogue — essential for promoting digital literacy and critical thinking in society.

The Vice-President praised Kerala’s pioneering role in education and literacy, paying rich tributes to Shri P. N. Panicker, the visionary who transformed libraries into vibrant community hubs connecting people with books and ideas.

Concluding his remarks, Shri Radhakrishnan underscored the need to expand and modernize the nation’s public and community libraries, calling them “dynamic spaces of learning, inclusion, and innovation.” He urged policymakers, educators, and civil society to work collectively toward empowering citizens through the power of knowledge.

The two-day conference, being held from November 2 to 3, brings together experts, policymakers, library professionals, academicians, and digital innovators from India and abroad to deliberate on strengthening libraries as engines of community empowerment and sustainable knowledge ecosystems.