THE LIGHT OF THE LIBRARY

Transcription

1 SARASWATHI SAMRAJYAM Founder President Iyyanki Venkata Ramanaiah Sarswathi Samrajyam was inaugurated by Shri V.V. Giri, Vice-President of India, under the Presidentship of Padmabhushana Shri K.L. Rao, Minister for Irrigation & Power, Government of India, on 6 th April 1968 at Saraswathi Samrajya Bhavanam, Vijayawada. ===================================================================== THE LIGHT OF THE LIBRARY By IYYANKI VENKATA RAMANAYYA Architect of Public Library Movement in India Web portal Professor Iyyanki Murali Krishna President, Saraswathi Samrajyam, Hyderabad iyyanki@gmail.com,

2 This Book is Edited by Sri Dr Velaga Venkatappaiah and first Published in This is the second edition being brought out as Web Edition and the content is available on The Sweet Memory of Sree Korukonda Lingamurty I Dedicate This Precious Book As a Humble Token of Affection He Stood By My Side To The Core In Fighting The Battle against Ignorance & Illiteracy All glory to him! Padmasree, Brahmasree IYYANKI VENKATA RAMANAYYA Architect of Public Library Movement in India The Swayam Sevak of the Library Movement For the Sixty Six years, 1907 to Dr. S.R. RANGANADHAN, M.A., L. T., D.Litt., F.L.A. Expressed as follows after reading this Book in Manuscript on July 26, 1972; Most of ;your papers contain An illuminating account of your 60 years of hard and single minded work to get books read by People Your words are as usual sparkling with the Wisdom got from experience, and single-mined devotion.

3 THE LAW OF THE LIBRARY OR GRANDHALAYA VEDA The Sun s light brightens everything; So shall knowledge dispel Darkness And brighten every Life. Air gives life to all and is freely accessible; So shall Knowledge be within easy reach of all, Breathing life-vigour into them. Clear water quenches the thirst of all; So shall Knowledge satisfy the curiosity of the curious and the hunger of the hungry for it. Shri Chilakamarthi Lakshminarasimham Pantulu The poet- laureate of Andhra Desa From the Presidential Address at the First Andhra Desa Library Conference held at Vijayawada on April 10, Translated into English from Telugu by D R. S. R. RANGANADHAN.

4 CONTENTS Page 1 Dedication Padmasree Iyyanki Venkata Ramanayya iii 2 After Reading This Book iv M.A., L.T., D.Litt., F.L.A. 3 The Law of The Library or Grandhalaya Veda v Late Chilakamarti Lakshminarasimham 4 Editorial 1 Velaga Venkatappaiah 5 Foreword 4 Sri K.V.V. Subba Raju, 6 Preamble 6 The Author 7 Introduction 8 V. Koteswaramma, M.A., Principal, Montessori College, Vijayawada 8 Preface 9 P.N. Kaula, Department of Library Science, Banaras Hindi University, Varanasi WHAT THEY SAY: 9. I. Saraswati Samrajyam or World Federation of Wisdom (i) Hon ble Shri V.V. Giri 13 President of India (ii) Padma Bhushana Dr. K. L. Rao 14 Minister for Irrigation & Power (iii) Dr. S. R. Ranganadhan 14 M.A., L.T., D. Litt., F.L.A. II. Distinction of Padmasree 15 (i) Smt. Indira Gandhi Prime Minister of India (ii) Hon ble Shri Kandubhai Desai 15

5 Governor of Andhra Pradesh (iii) Dr. S.R. Ranganadhan, M.A., L.T., D. Litt., F.L.A. 15 III. Appteciations: By Dr. S.R. Ranganadhan, M.A., L.T., D.Litt., F.L.A. (i) Andhra Desa Library Movement is entirely The People s Movement 16 (ii) Appreciation of his work 17 Iv. Grandhalaya Jyoti- A Review 18 By Shri. P. N. Kaula CHAPTERS 1. Saraswati Samrajyam or The World Federation of Wisdom 23 Translated by Sri Vanukuru Venkata Subba Rao, B.A., B.L. 2. Why the Free Public Library 27 The Author 3. Cultivation of Reading Habit 30 Translated by Smt N. Malathi, M.A., M.Lib. Sc. 4. The Game of Education 34 Translated by Sri Tekumalla Ramachandra Rao, M.A., B.L. 5. Libraries and Adult Education 41 The Author 6. Library Pilgrimages 48 Translated by Sri Tekukmalla Ramachandra Rao, M. A., B.L. 7. The Public Library : The People s University 60 The Author 8. Village Libdraries as Social Centres Translated by Sri Iyyanki Venkata Ratnam, M.Sc What the Library can do for Workers? 71 Translated by Smt. N. Malathi, M.A., M.Lib. Sc. APPENDIX I Life Sketch of Sri Korukonda Lingamurty 75 By N.V. L. Narasimhachari, M.A. APPENDIX II Achievements of Sri Iyyanki Venkata Ramanayya at a glance 78 Gleanings 79

6 E D I T O R I A L Dr. Herbert Putnam, the well-known Librarian of the World-famous Library of Congress, rightly remarked about Dr. Melwel Dewey Mr. Dewey eats, drinks, sleeps and talks library and library work throughout the twenty four hours, the week, the month and the year. His physical whereabouts at any one time is immaterial. He carries his business with him to his home; he brings it back with him in the evening and in the morning to his office. Shri Iyyanki Venkata Ramanayya,. the grand old man of Indian Public Library Movement resembles Dr. Dewey in the Indian context. With unbounded energy and single-minded devotion he rendered meritorious and exemplary service in establishing public library movement in India for the last six decades or more. He is second to none in this respect. In a span of his seven decades of strenuous public life, he served the country and more particularly the State, in the capacity of a journalist, Library worker, Naturopath, Theosophist, Member of Indian National Congress, Propagator of Khadi, Sarvodaya, Gosti, World Peace, Co-operation Movements etc. Of all these roles, he is mainly a library worker and all his activities are adjuncts to the library movement. His heart beats the sounds of library service only. Early Years- Training: Very early in life, Shri Iyyanki happened to hear the inspiring and enlightening lectures of Shri Bipin Chandrapal on Vande Mataram movement in Rajahmundry in the year As a result, he was very deeply influenced and took a vow to serve the mother-land throughout his life. At the same time, Shri Iyyanki had sound training with the stalwarts of the National Movement, such as Andhra Ratna Duggirala Gopala Krishnaiah, Kopalle Hanumantha Rao, Shri Mutnuri Krishna Rao And Dr. Bhogaraju Pattabhi Seetharamaiah. For about three years, he acquired good knowledge on the character of various movements of public service in the world and more about the other States in India. As an enthusiastic young worker, he started his public life as Secretary of Ramamohan Library and Free Reading Room, Vijayawada, in the year At That time he decided to concentrate on library service, which is essential for the progress of the common folk. Finding an urgent need to co-ordinate the work of various public libraries in the State, he convened the First Andhra Desa Library Conference in the year 1914; as a consequence, the Andhra Desa Library Association was formed and he was unanimously elected as its Secretary. Bureaucratic attitude of the officers at the helm of affairs necessitated his organising All India Public Library Conference in Madras in the year As a Chief architect of the All India Public Library Association it has been his proud privilege to do pioneering work all over India from Lahore to Calcutta in the North; Belgaum in the West; Pudukkotah, Trichinopally and Madras in the South and Kakinada, Vijayawada in the East. The efforts of Shri Iyyanki were also instrumental in establishing library associations in Punjab, Bengal and Madras in the second quarter of this century. With missionary zeal, he wanted to stress that the public library is a people s university and he has developed various indigenous techniques for its propagation: Organising Granthalaya Yatras (Library Pilgrimages), Boat Library Service on the canals of West

7 Godavari and Guntur Districts, editing & publishing periodicals like Granthalaya Sarvaswamu Indian Library Journal, and organizing conferences, lectures and symposia. In recognition of all his efforts in this State and in other parts in India, he was awarded titles Granthalaya Pitamaha, Granthalaya Sastra Visarada and Granthalayoddharaka in various well organized functions. More recently the Government of India conferred on him Padmashri recognizing his services to the Library Movement. During the long span of about seventy years Shri Iyyanki participated in thousands of conferences, meetings and prepared hundreds O + papers most of which are in Telugu. Out of this collection, nine papers which contain illuminating account of his hard work and devotion are selected for publication in this book, The Light of the Library. Mot of them are translated from Granthalaya Jyoti a collection of essays and lectures of Shri Iyyanki from in vernacular. The First Chapter ofthis book deals with the Saraswathi Samrajyam or World Federation of Wisdom for the rejuvenation of the manking at the People s University: the Library level. The Second Chapter: why the pubic library stresses the importance of a Free Public Library and the extract of UNESCO Public Library Manifesto is also furnished in the same. The Third Chapter: Cultivation of the Reading Habit forms essential guide to Children as well as adults. The process is lucidly depicted in here. The Fourth Chapter: Sri Iyyanki formulated the Library-oriented games of Geography, History and Science etc., in an indigenous and novel manner. The laws of the games are described in it. The Fifth Chapter: The impact of adult education on eradication of illiteracy through a net work of public libraries is dealt with in it. The Sixth Chapter: Library pilgrimage is the unique technique of propagation organized by Shri Iyyanki. The pen pictures of the pilgrimages are given in it. The Seventh Chapter: In this essay the author explains how the village library forms a People s University. The Eighth Chapter: Deals with the Village Library as the nerve center of the community. Its role in shaping a society is depicted in it. The Nineth Chapter: Is a Radio talk in which Shri Iyyanki described what the library, can do for the workers. In all these Chapters we fined his dynamic leadership, boundless energy and missionary zeal. Even after a long time, these topics are ever fresh and instructive, even upto-date and will remain so, for all time to come. I am particularly grateful to Shri S.S. Janardan Rao, Librarian, Sri C.R. Reddy Colege, Eluru, for assisting me in editing this work. V. VENKATAPPAIAH, Editor.

8 F O R E W O R D Sri Iyyanki Venkataramanayya has been in the vanguard of the Library Movement. There is not a single movement in Andhra Pradesh wherein he has not set his foot. He sponsored the Library Movement in Andhra Pradesh indeed in India itself. He was born in 1890 in a tiny village in East Godavari District. He discontinued his studies at the age of 17 years itself in 1907 as a result of the National agitation known as VANDE MATARAM MOVEMNT. In 1908 he moved to Machilipatnam and developed contacts with the famous trios Sri Koplalle Hanumantha Rao, Dr. Pattabhi Seetaramaiah and Sri Mutnuru Krishna Rao. He was in the field of journalism, library movement, Naturopathy, Sarvodaya, Cottage Industries and a score of others. Sri Iyyanki Venkataramanayya was the Chief founder and the first Secretary of the Ram Mohan Library at Vijayawada in 1911, which is one of the best managed libraries in the State, functioning still under his guidance. The first Andhra Desa Library Conference was held at Vijayawada in 1914 at the instance of Sri Iyyanki Venkatyaramanayya. He was responsible for the spread of Libraries in Andhra Pradesh. He conducted Library Pilgrimages from village to village in West Godavari and other Districts stimulating interest in the villagers for the starting of new Libraries and reviving moribund libraries. He was awarded titles of Grandhalaya Pitamaha and Grandhalayoddharaka and Grandhalaya Shastra Visharada by various organizations. He was also responsible for the spread of Library movement and the starting of various Associations connected with the libraries in the country. He rendered yeomen service in the field of journalism. He has edited for some time Grandhalaya Sarvaswam, Indian Library Journal, Divya Gnana Deepika, Korada, Sahakaram and Others. He was fortunate in having close association with Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Anee Beasant. He was Provincial Scout commissioner for some time. He rendered useful service to the public at the time of floods in Krishna and Guntur Districts. He is interested in Ayurveda and Naturopathy. He has done Research work in finding out the common elements in both the systems of medicine. He is closely connected with the political movement in Andhra Desh and was an active leader in the National Congress and Andhra Desh and was an active leader in the National Congress and Andhra Mahasabha. It is in the fitness of things that the Government of India have recognized his services in various fields, particularly in Library Movement and conferred on him the award of Padma Sri. We feel happy that he is with us stimulating and guiding the workers in the field of libraries in the State. I am glad that this volume THE LIGHT OF THE LIBRARY deals with his research work in the various fields of Library movement. I am sure that the persosn who read it, will be inspired by the service, sacrifice and devotion of Grandhalaya Pitamaha. Hyderabad K.V.V. SUBBARAJU, Director of Public Libraries, Andhra Pradesh.

9 P R E A M B L E The Impetus: As a result of the partition of Bengal in 1905, the Vandemataram movement sprang and shot up. Sri Bipinchandra Pal of Calcutta toured Andhra Desa in this connection in 1907, giving lectures on the Vandemataram movement, Swaraj, Swdeshi, Boycott of Foreign goods and National Education. At Rajahmundry I happed to hear those inspiring and enlightening lectures in my seventeenth year. In consequence, I took a vow to serve Bharata Mata all my life, an dhad a Raksha Bandhan while bathing in the waters of the river Godavari under the leadership of Sri Bipinchandra Pal. In 1910, I began to publish a cultural monthly the Andhra Bharati. In 1911, I became the First Secretary of the Ram Mohan Library, Vijayawada. In 1914, I started the Andhra Desa Library Association. In 1919, The all India Public Library Association was started by me. During the Course of all these years, I am after the search of finding a link between the material aspect of the Library movement and the spiritual and cultural side of it. There are two aspects of every movement, the physical and the Cosmic. Initiation: Thus at the time of my Shastipurti Celebrations in the year 1950, a Pandita Parishat was held under the leadership of Sri Jammalamadaka Madhavaraya Sarma and the Saraswathi Samrajyam. The Federation of Wisdom of the World was visualised. Thus, my research into the realms of Saraswati Samrajyam, resulted in the Organisation of several meetings for the furtherance of the same. It is inseparably intertwined with my life work- Library Organisation. On , Sri V.V. Giri-the then Vice-President of India, inaugurated the same and gave shape to it as an International movement-the World Federation of Wisdom. Now, I am at the close of the 83 rd year and am desirous of starting a permanent Centre to work it as a National and International movement.

10 On behalf of Saraswati Samrajyam I started publication work in the year and published one Volume under the title of Grandhalaya Jyoti a collection of essays of my research work during the last 60 years. In this book, some of the essays from the above work have been translated into English, which gives the lead for the line of work to be pursued at the National and International level. Organization: The main theme o the book is SARASWATI SAMARAJYAM or World Federation of Wisdom and its working. It is a novel departure from routine Library Movement. It is the building up of a World Federation of Wisdom for establishing an International Peace Foundation, on the concept of Library as the People s University. It throws light upon the development of the individual versus society, because it is only the Public Library that can redeem the World of the conflict and turmoil and spread the Wisdom of Peace and tranquility. The moulding and establishment of a World Federation of Wisdom is dealt with in this book. The Library at the People s University level is the only potent factor for the rejuvenation of mankind and maintenance of peace. This Organization does not come into conflict with any such bodies that exist in the World and it compliments and supplements all such institutions. This is only a sample guide book for the working of the SARASWATI SAMRAJUYAM or World Federation of Wisdom. Many such text books will emerge from intellectuals of the World according to the needs of the places and times. -THE AUTHOR.

11 I N T R O D U C T I O N Kuchipudi famjous for Dance Art, Srikakulam- Capital of Ancient Andhra Empire, Ghantasala- Seat for Buddhistic Culture, Movva Saint and poet Kshetrayya s birth place, encircle Ayyanki or Iyyanki Village. Out of such soil sprang up Shri Iyyanki Venkata Ramanayya and such atmosphere was his first breath. His fond grand-ma reared him up with song, word and story. An affluent father provided him with good, attractive periodicals and books. Roving missionaries presented him with good pictures and books to own and digest. National leaders like Bipin Chandra Pal and such stalwarts in various walks of life as Dr. Pattabhi, Mutnuri, Patriotic Ayyadevara, Kalaprapurna Viswanatha Satyanarayana came in contact with him, for him to assimilate and put into action all that is good and useful in them. Is he not thrice blest then? With his wide contacts, he gained good knowledge and served the country in general and the State in particular as a journalist, library worker, naturopath, Theosophist, khadi propagator worker in sarvodaya, world peace, co-operation and other movements. Above all he is purely a library worker and a staunch devotee of Goddess Saraswati. This book Light of Library or Library Illuminated is a collection of essays and speeches spread over sixty years and compiled in Granthalaya Jyothi. Nine essays, the choicest among them, are translated and compiled. It is no exaggeration to call it an omnibus of Library Movement. The first two of the nine deal with Saraswathi Samrajyam (the genesis) and the need for a free public library. Topics 3,4,5 and 8 dealing with cultivation of reading-habit of game of education, adult education, libraries as social centers and their play in the lives of the workers, are worth any price. The other chapters give information how to start and run libraries. Since this book and Grandhalaya Jyothi supplement and compliment each other, a word about it is not out of place here. The addition of outstanding events of his life and Saraswathi Samrajyam, he visuaised, lent colour to the Grandhalaya Jyothi. It is a work done noby, for a noble cause with a noble purpose. May it then have a place in every library. All the praise the books get and all the praise and titles showered on ur hero are not commensurate with the achievement he won. Vijayawada. V. KOTESWARAMMA, Principal, Montissori Mahila Kalasala.

12 P R E FA C E I feel honoured in being asked to write a preface to the Light of the Library containing a collection of speeches and essays of Padmashri Iyyanki Venkata Ramanayya. But the assignment has not been without some embarrassment to me because Mr. Iyyanki needs no introduction to librarians and lovers and users of libraries. His single-minded devotion to the cause of public library movement in India has made him a legend in his own life. Some quarters affectionately call him, the Architect of Public Library Movement an epithet which he so richly deserves. His interest in the jealous mistress of the world of books dates from 1907 to this day which is more than six decades; from then his love and excitement for moving his mistress has remained unabated. He has been an effective crusader in the world of public libraries in India. He has done unforgettable pioneering work in establishing library associations, social bodies, journals and professional meets of the librarians both at the National and State levels, with religious zeal for showing to the world that the function of the libraries is not to gather a store of books where one has to watch against book pilferage or their spoliation but the role of making them accessible to the seekers of knowledge who may rely on them and take their advice and help. The compilation contained in this book is the collection of writings on various aspects of libraries written by him originally in Telugu from time to time. This book is not a thesis written on a single idea but is written on varied subjects but all on or about libraries, which form the central theme of the book; particularly the description of Library Pilgrimages, a unique feature of Andhra Public Library Movement. The public library today is a social institution supported by public funds, providing free access to its collection for all seekers of knowledge irrespective of any distinction. It is a complex institution, in objective, in operation, in control and in means of support. Its position as a public institution, its fisical problems, its relationship to Government and to other civic agencies, its management, the techniques employed for providing efficient and expeditious service, the maintenance of collection, and the wide use of diverse materials make it a different institution from what it was seven decades back. It, however, goes to the credit of Mr. Iyyanki that he took up the cause of public libraries by establishing the Ram Mohan Library in 1911 at Vijayawada and also by creating a stir for public library movement throughout length and breath of India. All this he did despite the handicap of being not a degree holder or a professional librarian. The readers who have a professional and general interest in libraries or library movement will read the contributions of Mr. Iyyanki and benefit, and benefit, and those who know them, as I do, will read between the lines a lyrical story of a life devoted to a cause, a determination to get used up for a purpose that one considers lofty and determined refusal to be thrown to the scrap-heap till one can live usefully and beneficially for the good of mankind. P. N. KAULA, CI, Banaras Hindu University, Professor & Head of the Varanasi-5. Dept. of Library Science.

13 What they say About Saraswathi Samrajyam and its Founder President SRI IYYANKI VENKATA RAMANAYYA S EFFORTS Hon ble Shri V.V. Giri the then Vice- President of India inagurating the compaign of *Saraswathi Samrajyam The World Federation of Wisdom-under the president-ship of Padmabhushana Dr. K.L.Rao, Minister for Irrigation and Power, Government of India and releasing the book GRANDHALAYA JYOTHI on April6, 1968 at Saraswathi Samrajya Bhavan, Vijayawada, expressed as follows: My old friend GRANDHALAYA PITHAMAHA Shri Iyyanki Venkata Ramanayya has done meritorious and exemplary service in establishing the Public Library Movement in India for the last Six decades and more; and he is responsible to a great extent for its present position. He has now produced a very useful book on Library Science and Movement-the GRANDALAYA JYOTHI. I feel very glad and take it as a proud privilege to release the book in presence of this gathering of the elite of Andhra Desa. I have great respect for the man and noble work he has done.. I wish him success in his adventurous life. I pray that he may be spared many more years of useful service for SARASWATHI SAMRAJYAM. * The genesis of Saraswathi Samrajyam (The World Federation of Wisdom) is given as the First article in this book.

14 Hon ble Dr. K.L.Rao, Minister for Irrigation and Power, Government of India says: Under the dynamic leadership of Shri Iyyanki Venkata Ramanayya, the Library Movement has reached great heights in Andhra Desa and in other parts of India. The present wider endeavour-the SARASWATHI SAMRAJYAM to spread knowledge to all, through the library is the logical phase, following the earlier lead given by Shri Iyyanki Venkata Ramanayya. May the SARASWATHI SAMRAJYAM - the World Federation of Wisdom achieve success in the years to come and illumine the world. Prapancha Grandhalaya Sastra Drashta Sri S.R. Ranganadhan, National Research Professor in Library Science & Modern Library Science of the World, Bangalore. * * * Congratulating Iyyanki on the eve of the inauguration of the campaign for the World Federation of Wisdom wrote: Your undivided & continuous work for the library cause for more than sixty years is unexampled. THE SARASWATHI SAMRAJYAM - The World Federation of Wisdom is another milestone in your life s work. * * * DISTINCTION OF PADMASREE Sreemati Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister, Government of India. 25 th January, Congratulations on distinction conferred on you. * * * Sree Khandubhai Desai, Governor. Andhra Pradesh. Raj Bhavan, Hyderabad th January, 1972.

15 Dear Shri Ramanayya, I am delighted to learn that you have been honoured with the award of Padmashri on the of Republic Day Please accept my warm congratulations on this well-deserved distinction. * * * S.R. Ranganadhan, National Research Professor In Library Sciences, Bangalore My Dear Iyyanki, Glory to you, It gave me pleasure to read your name in the Honours List which appeared in the dailies this morning. Though not a member of the library profession, you have dedicated your life even from the beginning to the library causes and you are still continuing your work in the field. * * * Andhra Desa Library Movement is entirely a Peoples Movement. A beneficient ferment originated in Baroda Fell on the fertile soil of Andhra Desa in 1914 The result was the foundation of The Andhra Desa Library Association, Now known as Andhra Pradesh Library Association. Immediately after the foundation hectic activities were set on foot by a band of workers led by The Grandhalaya Pithamaha Shri Iyyanki Venkata Ramanayya This band of workers filled the land of Andhra People with Library Consciousness. Whereas the Library Movement in Baroda was patronized by the Gaekwad himself The Library Movement, in Andhra Desa Was entirely a People s Movement. It had to be so as the then British Government Was not interested in it.

16 All honour to The People of Andhra Desa To have taken up this work Voluntarily in their own hand. Dr. S.R. Ranganadhan, M.A.,L.T.,D. Litt., F.L.A., sent the above message to the Andhra Pradesh Library Association conference held at Tirupati on , on the occasion of its Golden Jubilee Celebrations. Prapancha Grandhalaya Sastra Drasta Dr. S.R. Ranganadhan in appreciation of the work of Padmasree Iyyanki Venkata Ramanayya. further says: Two Nandis coalesced into one Some years ago I wandered in the Nandi Hills in Mysore State. There I was taken to two spots: each spot had a stone Nandi (bull) overlooking a dried ditch. They said that the Nandis were the sources of two Rivers, one flowing through the Andhra country and the other through the Tamil country. The two Pinakinis. Now imagine the two Nandis coalesced into one. Then it would symbolize to my mind the position of Mr. Iyyanki Venkata Ramanayya as a Library Worker.. (1950). Message sent to Shastipurti Celebrations of Sri Iyyanki. Cause for the Establishment of Madras Library Association I was forced by Sree Iyyanki Venkata Ramanayya to take part in the All-India Public Library Conference held at Madras in 1927, which resulted in the formation of The Madras Library Association; and as such, he had been the indirect cause for the establishment of the same. (while repling to the presentation of the title of Prapancha Grandalaya Sastra Drasta and dedicating ceremony of Andhra Grandhalaya Vangmaya Suchika to him at Hyderabad on ) Unexampled For the inauguration ceremony of Saraswati Samrajyam ( World Federation of Wisdom ) at Vijayawada, by Shri V.V. Giri, as Vice- President of India on : Your undivided continuous work for the Library Cause for more than sixty years is unexampled. World Record Glory! More Glory!! More and More Glory!!! Saraswathi Samrajyam is a fitting crown for the Sixty years of your continuous dedicated life for the Library Cause. Perhaps there is nobody else in the world that can beat your record in this respect

17 I got your book of essays. That itself is a symbol of your life-work. (12th July, 1968). Words Sparkling with Wisdom Most of your papers contain an illuminating account of your Sixty years of hard and single-mined work to get books read by people. Your words are as usual sparkling with the wisdom got from experience, and single-minded devotion. (About Grandhalaya Jyothi : 26 th July 1972) * * * P.N. KAULA, Editor: Hearald of Library Science writes as follows in his review of Grandhalaya Jyoti. Sree Iyyanki Venkata Ramanayya is the Architect of the Public Library Movement in India. To work for the cause of public libraries has been the mission of his life. He has given all for the spread of this movement in length and breadth of India. The first library organization Andhra Desha Library Association was founded by him in 1914 and he remained its Secretary till The first All-India Public Libraries Conference was organized by him in Madras in The first All-India body on public libraries all-india Public Libraries Association was founded by him in Vijayawada (then called Bezwada) in He had been instrumental in establishing the State Library organizations as well. The founding of the Punjab Library Association in 1929 and that of the Madras Library Association in 1928 have been through his initiation. The holding of All-India Public Libraries Conferences from 1919 to 1934 have been mainly due to his hard work and devotion. The oldest library in Vijayawada-Ram Mohan Library-was founded by him in 1911, which became a seat of revolutionary ideas during the struggle for the independence of India. The first All-India professional journal- INDIAN LIBRARY JOURNAL - was started by him from Bezwada (now called Vijayawada). The first linguistic journal on libraries GRANDHALAYA SARASWAMU was started by him in Telugu from Vijayawada in This periodical is still being published as the organ of the Andhra Pradesh Library Association from Patamata (Vijayawada Taluq). This is the only periodical which has continued its publication for over 55 years. The readership in India and the Library profession is under an everlasting debt of gratitude to Mr. Iyyanki for his dedicated work and sacrifice for making people and the authorities what the saying goes- public library conscious. His services have been duly recognized by the Government of India which conferred on him the award of

18 PADMASHRI. Earlier he was conferred the title of Grandhalaya Pitamaha at the time of presentation of a Commemoration Volume to him. GRANDHALAYA JYOTI is a collection of the essays and speeches on library movement of Iyyanki Venkata Ramanayya from 1910 to The birth of the library movement in India took place in 1911 in the then princely State of Baroda. Sayaji Rao Gaekwad, who laid the foundation of this movement by establishing a net-work of public libraries to serve the 68 per cent of the population of the State, had invited Iyyanki on his Golden Jubilee in Baroda where the Gaekwad of Baroda was conferred the title Saraswati Samrajya Rama Ramana by the All-India Public Library Association. The work of Iyyanki starts from 1910 and has been continued till this date. He is now 83 years old (born in 1890) and yet he has the vigour of the youth. His towering personality and charming manners earned for him an universal reputation among the pulic, the authorities, and the librarians. He is AJATASATRU - with malice towards none. Library Movement is a passion with him. The essays and speeches included in this book in Telugu will inspire the coming generations about the use of public libraries which he regards as People s University. The publication has 30 photographs as well. GRANDHALAYA JYOTI is a book to be read by those who are interested in the cause of learning through the establishment of public libraries.

19 Chapters

20 1. SARASWATI SAMRAJYAM (World Federation of Wisdom) The above Association was inaugurated by Shri V.V. Giri, Vice-President of India, under the Presidentship of Padmabhushana Shri K.L. Rao, Minister for Irrigation & Power, Government of India, on 6 th April 1968 at Saraswathi Samrajya Bhavanam, Vijayawada. Genesis: The genesis of the Saraswathi Samrajyam or the World Federation of Wisdom is inseparably interwoven with the life work of shri Iyyanki Venkata Ramanayya. He is the patriarch of the Library Movement in our country and, in fact, addressed as Grandhalaya Pitamaha. Men of Wisdom all over Andhra attended the Shastyabdi Purthi celebrations of Shri Venkata Ramanayya in 1950 and have expressed appreciation of the valuable services rendered by him in different fields during the past 60 years in Andhra, inspired by the ideals of Library Movement. The concensus was to bring into ex9istence the institution of Saraswathi Samrajyam or The World Federation of Wisdom to be propogated throughout the whole world. That was the dream-child of Shri Venkata Ramanayya. Saraswaqthi Samrajyam is the Territory of Wisdom over which the Aum, the Goddess Saraswathi or the Sabda Brahma presides. This is the same as Logos of the westerners as also the Energy of Einstein. It has been accepted now that Energy solidified becomes Matter. Knowledge in the identity of the above energy logos and aum is wisdom. Wisdom personified is the Goddess Saraswathi. The individual, the group and nay-the nation, that does not worship the Goddess Saraswathi- (i.e., which is ignorant of the Aum, Logos & Energy ) cannot be said to have been progressing. Aum, the Goddess Saraswathi seems to be the source and genesis of this Universe even according to the Holy Bible. In the beginning was the word And the word was with God And the word is God Thus we see, what is called Logos by the West, Electron energy by the Scientists is termed as Saraswathi. We understand that worship of Saraswqthi is progress and prosperity as the Scientists predict the electron energy is the cause of progress and prosperity. The Grace and Glory of Saraswathi can be seen, felt and enjoyed by all who enter the library, the temple of the Goddess Saraswathi. Every individual, without any distinction and discrimination of caste, creed, sex, race and religion, high and low, has the right to enter the temple of Saraswathi (The Library). Worship the Goddess Saraswathi Logos or the Electron energy till the presiding Deity Saraswaqthi showers her blessings and grace upon you, qualifying you as a member of Saraswathi Samrajyam or the World Federation of Wisdom. Membership in it means attainment of equal opportunity, the most important directive principle

21 of our Constitution. These temples of Saraswathi should be open to all, at all times and should serve the entire humanity for their progress and prosperity. Objectives: Aims: 1. The Sun s light brightens every thing; So shall knowledge dispel Darkness And brighten every life; 2. Air gives life to all and is freely accessible, So shall knowledge be within easy reach of al, Breathing life and vigour into them; 3. Clear water quenches the thirst of all, So shall knowledge satisfy the curiosity of the curious and the hunger of the hungry for it. 1. To adopt measures reconciling the culture of this world with the culture about the other Worlds. 2. To set up the best and new ways for the uplift of Humanity. 3. To expand all scientific and cultural movements. 4. To build up a movement which will be a living force for integration and co-ordination of intellectual strivings through popular education and for the growth of International Understanding and thereby for the promotion of peace and harmony in the world realizing the Paramatma in Atma (Divinity in Man). Ideals: The sole ideal of Saraswathi Samrajyam is to extend and spread the grace and glory of Saraswathi - The Deity of Learning in all directions and dimensions and bring it within the easy reach of all human beings. Means: The Domain of Wisdom is the Public Library. The Public Library should become what it should be: The University of the People, Offering a liberal education to all. Every person should have a Library of his own however small it may be.

22 Achievements: The individual passing through the stages of: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) Discrimination, Desirelessness, Good conduct and Love Evolves himself into an ideal human being and becomes the living library, forming a source of inspiration and guidance for self-realisation. Vision of Glory: For the last three decades and more since 1950, Sri Iyyanki Venkata Ramanayya has been devotedly meditating to catch the vision of the Saraswati Samrajyam (World Federation of Wisdom) with his mental eye. While propagating it, he was wondering if it would materialize in the physical world. He went to Nellore on November 15, 1972, for the National Library Week. As he crossed the threshold of the main entrance of the Zilla Kendra Granthalaya (Central Library) he saw a vision of Glory. What he saw was Saraswati illuminated, Veena in one hand and a book in the other, Her graceful looks spread all around on all sides. He felt that what he had dreamt for three decades stood personified at the Nellore Zilla Granthalaya Samstha. Sri N. Harischandra Reddy (Chairman, Zilla Grandhalaya Samstha)- like an ancient King of the Reddi Clan had seen at the British Museum, London, during his World tour, a replica of (The Image of) Saraswati which, centuries ago, had adorned the Royal Court of King Bhoja. It is now in a mutilated condition. Tears rolled down the cheeks of Sri Reddi as he visualized our past Glory and the present plight.* That glimpse was no doubt accidental. But the vision of Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of Learning, filled his mind and glorified his vision. Goddess Saraswati got deeply rooted in his heart. This illumination of the building with the image of Saraswathi as stated above at its entrance was perhaps the result of the vision of Saraswathi which has got deeply rooted in his heart; and the illumination of the image of Saraswathi was the result of the Glory which has entered his imagination. * He, when publishing the Souvenir in 1971, has put in, in good relief the picture of this Vagdevi on the title cover and inserted a brief and fine note on the Significance of Sound etc., This has an exhilarating influence on the readers.

23 The natural Thirst for knowledge: II. WHY: THE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY Because : It is The People s University The natural thirst of humanity for knowledge leads ultimately to the springing up of Libraries. The Ideals of the Modern Public Library Movement: While the Library Movement in the West seeks to widen man s mental horizon and develop his intellect, the Indian Public Library Movement seeks to do this and more, namely, to activise, develop and ennoble the human spirit, to spiritualise man s entire existence. All are students: All the people are students in this world beginning from childhood till their death. They will be continuously learning, assimilating knowledge, and finally attaining wisdom. This process of learning begins in the Elementary School, and gains momentum at the University level. The majority of the people drop at the Secondary School, level, because they have no means nor opportunity nor taste, to, attain Higher Education. Only very few reach the University level. Education should not be confined to schools and colleges. In fact, every workshop or farm should be a Centre of Learning. Education is a continuous process: It starts right from birth but never ends. Thus said Srimathi Indira Gandhi, our Prime Minister, at The All-India Educational Conference at Wardha recently. Public Library: The People s University: Then, what is the fate of this majority of people who drop at the Secondary School level? The Public Library is the panacea for them. Whatever their level or standard may be every one will have continuous education in the Public Library beginning from the Elementary level upto the Unviersity level and onwards. The following are extracts from UNESCO Bulletin: which throw much light on the necessity of a library.

24 A democratic Agency for Education: The public library is a product of modern democracy and a practical demonstration of democracy s faith in universal education as a life-long process. Though primarily intended to serve the educational needs of adults, the public library should also supplement the work of the schools in developing the reading tastes of children and young people, helping them to become adults who can use books with appreciation and profit. As a democratic institution, operated by the people for the people, the Public Library should be: Established and maintained under clear authority of law. Supported wholly or mainly from public funds. Open for free use on equal terms to all members of the community, regardless of occupation, creed, class or race. What the Public Library should offer: The complete public library should provide: Books, pamphlets, magazines, newspapers, maps, pictures, films, music scores and recordings and give guidance in their use. The public library should offer children, young people, men and women opportunity and encouragement: To educate themselves continuously; To keep abreast of progress in all fields of knowledge; To maintain freedom of expression and a constructively critical attitude toward all public issues; To be better social and political citizens of their country and of the world; To be more efficient in their day-to-day activities; To develop their creative capacities and powers of appreciation in arts and letters. To aid generally in the advancement of knowledge; To use their leisure time to promote personal happiness and social well-being. A Vital Community Force: The public library should be active and positive in its policy and a dynamic part of community life.

25 It should not tell people what to think, but it should help them decide what to think about. The spotlight should be thrown on significant issues by exhibitions, booklists, discussions, lectures, courses, films and individual reading guidance. Reading interests should be stimulated and the Library s services publicized through a wellplanned continuous public relations programs. The public library should link its activities with the work of other educational, cultural and social agencies-the schoos, universities, museums, labour unions, study clubs, adult and fundamental education organizations, etc. It should also cooperate with other libraries in the loan of publications and with library associations for the advancement of public librarianship. The books in the library should be made accessible on open shelves and by use of efficient technical processes; and the library s services should be brought close the homes and work places of the people in both urban and rural areas by means of branches and mobile units. The People s University: With a well-trained, resourceful and imaginative staff, an adequate budget and pubic support, a public library can become what it should be- a university of the people, offering a liberal education to all comers. Citizens of a democracy have the need of such opportunities for self-education at all times. The complexity and instability of life today make the need all the more an urgent one. That is why The Public Library is the People s University.

26 III. CULTIVATION OF READING HABIT Reading a necessity: We all know that we should read books to acquire various skills. The saying Study for life-long is true enough. What books to read, how to read and for how long-is not however properly comprehended. The education received in schools is not sufficient. One should continue the process of learning through books and newspapers. Otherwise even what has been learnt will be undone. You know, a sword requires periodical sharpening or else the edge becomes blunt. Similarly, the mind must be constantly inspired through reading to improve the faculty of reasoning. Otherwise, the brain dullens and loses the power of argument. Thought-power has to be progressed continuously. Even the person with the highest qualifications must read regularly. This is the age of Atomic Energy. Knowledge has broken the barriers of College Education long ago. Everyday, new facts are being discovered. Every minute, the knowledge is reaching new horizons. Practically there is no scope for anyone to be insensible to the expansion of knowledge. If a lawyer feels that he has finished his education because he got his Law Degree, he will fall behind, showing no knowledge of the latest judgments and Government Statutes. Similarly, a doctor will not be able to know the latest developments in the field of medicine and treatment of diseases if he does not read after he obtains his degree. Thus whatever be one s occupation one should continuously read. For What Pleasure or Enlightenment? Some people believe that books are only for pleasure; some others believe that books are only for improvement of one s own knowledge. Neither view is correct, to be frank. Reading habit gives both pleasure and knowledge. There is nothing solely like fun as such. It is incorporated in the life-blood of humanity. Of course, it must be refined. At supper, side dishes are necessary, but they should not supersede the main dish. That is, development of human mind should commingle fun only as a side dish. For relaxation, certainly fun is needed to some extent. But even those books that are planned to give mere pleasure must be such as to give information. They should not dullen one s wits or instigate one to do the wrong things. Nor should they be paltry and time-killing. During journey time, it is enough if these books help one to forget the weariness of the travel. Which books should be read: Every one does not need every publication. A good book is like a good friend. It has great patience; provides fun when depressed; at all times and in all conditions, evinces the same affection. A friend may get angry, irritated, but not so a book friend. It never rejects an invitation, never turns a foe.

27 Books are the records of life s experiences and knowledge gathered by great men in the past. The spread of knowledge is based on the experiences of the past. The experiences of the past furnish the ground-work for the present and the present experiences for the future. Good books improve such knowledge. Reading sharpens one s wit and contributes ultimately for the welfare of mankind. Your Doubts: Always keep a note book with you. Note down your doubts or the portions you do not understand. When you come across a person of a calibre higher than yours, present your doubts to him, discuss with him. Never waste your time or opportunities. If you don t note down your doubts, you cannot recall them when occasion arises. The right way to read books: We have seen that reading of books is necessary for the sharpening of the mind just as food and drinks are needed for the growth and maintenance of the body. Books should form part and parcel of our life, in as much as other daily activities involved in our day-to-day life. In other words, we are planning our daily activities; are we not? So also reading should find a place in our daily routine. Every day we must stick to that time table, except in the event of ill-health or other exigent circumstances. One should never be forgetful or careless. Try to concentrate on your studies. Read slowly and steadily. However little you may have read, try to digest it. Do not worry that you have not read much. Reading one page with concentration is more fetching than scanning fifty pages hurriedly. Closely follow the footsteps of the author and trace out in details his thought process. Never proceed until you have understood him. Get accustomed to this kind of slow and steady reading. Read for three quarters of an hour, close the book and jot down briefly in your own words what you have read. Then compare your notes with the book in hand, mark the differences; if any part is vague, read it again slowly. Give sufficient time and scope for the mind to grasp the meaning. Even when the meaning is clear, think well about it. Try to read not only the meaning that the words give, but also between the lines in order to discover the innermost thoughts of the author. This kind of training of the mind helps your soul to grow and grasp many things. In such circumstances, your mind stretches beyond the limitations of the printed matter to the heart of the writer. Reasons for Reading: To achieve this goal unconditional co-operation only on your part is needed. You must have a tranquil disposition. You must be in a receptive mood. There is a rational spirit that is ulterior to the normal mind, discerning. The mind tries to reach that spirit. In your mind, there are two compartments pure and impure. The impure part does not go beyond the physical world. When the mind starts to struggle to reach the spirit, the barrier between the pure and impure mind starts to melt and the two states of mind unite into one. Ultimately it purges the impure compartment also and there remains one single pure ming.

28 The ability to understand the author s spirit, to recall a line of thought or the evolution of a theory all these can be achieved by following the above procedure and improving your memory power. Day be day, week by week, month by month, you will come to realize that your mind and heart have grown into powerful instruments. Reading Exercise in daily life: In your daily routine, along with other duties, get into the habit of Steadiness and Concentration. You must be business like and cherish steadiness and modesty. These habits must clearly reflect in your daily life. Whether you are writing a letter, solving an arithmetic problem or working on a business proposition, you must always concentrate on it. There should be no staggering. You must concentrate. Only such habits can take you to prosperity. Then no mistakes, no tardiness, no carelessness can creep into your work. Even the smallest errand becomes big in relation to the manner in which you handle it. Normally for any family man, routine life will be tiresome and monotonous. But the discipline suggested above gives him such exercise and keeps his physique in such a fit position that all his work becomes an experience and his life becomes an adventure-a field of progress. All this means The Study of The Book of Life. Spiritual Life: One need not escape from the daily routine in order to lead a spiritual life. One must understand that all his duties and the little jobs he discharges are only steps to reach that goal of supra-mundane life and take care that he discharges his duties without involvement. To achieve that spiritual attitude, the routine life must form the ground and not a hindrance. The spiritual life does not mean giving up of the World. One may live Here and Now and live a spiritual life.