Schooling alone is no longer enough, says Khehovi

Our Correspondent

Kohima, Feb 25 (EMN): Pointing out the technological advancements and the shift from manual work to intellectual work in this modern era, the advisor of Art and Culture, H Khehovi Yeputhomi, stated that completing schooling alone is no longer enough or adequate.

He stated this during the inaugural programme of workshop for public libraries held at the State Library in Kohima, organised by the department of Art and Culture, government of Nagaland, and sponsored by Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata, on Friday.

Yeputhomi has stressed on the importance of reading books in this age of technological advancement and stated that simply studying textbooks or completing schooling alone is not enough. He added that many might questioned the importance and relevance of library, where information is available at the push of a button in this age of information technology.

The advisor pointed out that people in the state are yet to cultivate the habit of reading despite high literacy rate. He opined that most Nagas in general preferred to watch and learn rather than read and learn.

“We need to regenerate and instill the culture of reading among the people and create the bridge between libraries and readers,” he said.

He expressed to note that a total of 641 rural libraries have registered under the department of Art and Culture and also expressed happiness on the initiatives of the ‘Street Library’ in Phek town and ‘Community Library’ in Kigwema village. He added that libraries are considered as the storehouse of knowledge and an important building block for the progress and development of the society.

While urging the people in the rural areas to take advantage and make the best use of the resources and facilities available, he noted that many still do not have access to a library. The advisor also requested the department to go the extra mile and reach out and connect with the rural schools in the districts and encouraged them to come to the library.

Yeputhomi  said, “The libraries should be made to look attractive and accessible so that many can benefit from the libraries, particularly children, so as to make them consider a library not only as a place to study but also as a place to explore and read for pleasure.”

The advisor further stated that books are extremely essential in today’s life as they play a significant role in the life of every individual and added that without it ‘one cannot achieve unification of mind, soul and be successful in life.’ He exuded hope that the workshop would boost the spirit to inculcate the habit of reading.

A brief overview of the workshop was presented by Adela Moa, director of Art and Culture, and informed that there 11 district libraries, one state library, one state museum library and 641 rural libraries. She exuded hope that the participants would gain from the workshop for better management of their libraries.

Earlier, a folk song was presented by Kevira Krotho from Kohima village.

After the  inaugural session, the deputy librarian at SASRD, Nagaland University Medziphema campus, Mhonbemo Ngullie, took up a session on “Relevance of library in this digital age,” while the librarian at Baptist College, Kohima, Angel Meru, spoke on “Organisation and management of libraries.”