Amit Shah Inaugurates Jayaprakash Narayan Library, Promotes Reading Culture

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday inaugurated the Jayaprakash Narayan Library in New Delhi, describing it as a centre for knowledge, learning and intellectual growth. Emphasising the importance of reading in nation-building, Shah urged young people to develop the habit of visiting libraries, saying they play a crucial role in shaping informed and responsible citizens. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Chairman Keshav Chandra and other dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, Shah said the strength of a nation is reflected not only in its economy but also in the number of young people who engage with books and libraries. He said knowledge and wisdom are the foundations of a strong society and that libraries provide an environment where individuals can cultivate critical thinking and lifelong learning. Recalling his own childhood, he said access to a well-equipped library in his hometown inspired his interest in reading and studying classical Indian texts, including the Vedas and Upanishads.

The Home Minister encouraged students to read extensively before forming opinions, stating that meaningful thinking begins with knowledge acquired through books. He said that regular engagement with libraries helps individuals develop the ability to distinguish right from wrong and contributes to personal growth. Citing an initiative in his parliamentary constituency of Gandhinagar, Shah said village libraries with thousands of books have been connected to a central collection of more than 1.25 lakh books through mobile library services, ensuring wider access to reading material.

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Shah also urged the Delhi government to create an integrated network linking libraries across the capital with educational institutions. He suggested that the Jayaprakash Narayan Library actively collaborate with nearby schools to encourage students to make regular use of its facilities. According to him, libraries should function as community centres that inspire learning, innovation and awareness of India's cultural and intellectual heritage.

The newly inaugurated library houses more than 32,000 books and includes dedicated facilities for researchers, a children's section, a modern auditorium, a research centre and an e-library providing access to over one crore digital books. Equipped with free Wi-Fi, an RFID-based book management system and an Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), the library will also be integrated with the National Digital Library of India, enabling users to access a vast collection of digital resources.

Paying tribute to Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, after whom the library is named, Shah described him as a visionary leader who made significant contributions to India's democratic journey. He highlighted Narayan's role in the Quit India Movement, his advocacy of social justice and Sarvodaya, and his leadership during the Emergency, when he called for “Sampoorna Kranti” against authoritarian rule. Concluding his address, the Home Minister urged the youth of Delhi to embrace a culture of reading, make full use of the new library and contribute towards building a self-reliant and developed India by 2047.

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