LUDHIANA, FEBRUARY 8: “Books are man’s everlasting companion. They connect the mankind from one corner of the world to the other,” said Dr Surjit Patar, eminent Punjabi poet and Saraswati Samman Awardee, while inaugurating a three-day “Golden Jubilee Book Fair” of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) here today. Recently, Dr Patar has been selected for the prestigious “Padma Shri Award.” Leading publishers and book sellers from all over India including states of Haryana, Rajasthan, New Delhi, Uttarakhand, Kerala and Punjab are exhibiting latest books on a wide range of subjects and are offering special discount on the books during the fair.
Stating that the land of Punjab is the land of great books, Dr Patar said that books are best friends of man, whether in sorrow or in joy. Although there is advancement in communicative media, yet reading books enlightens the mind and helps in expanding the intellect. The new generation needs to be encouraged to read books to face global challenges ahead, he emphasized. Dr. Patar recited some newly composed verses on books wherein he described books as a bridge connecting man with humanity.
The guest of honour, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, PAU Vice-Chancellor, inaugurated the Golden Jubilee Section of Mohinder Singh Randhawa Library which comprises Dr Randhawa section, Hall of Fame, Museum of History of Agriculture and Archives of the PAU. India has achieved remarkable economic growth, he said, while underlining the need for quality manpower for continued economic growth, productivity and competitiveness. To produce high quality professionals, learning resources are required, he said. Strengthening of PAU Library is a step towards this direction and will play a role of inter-mediatory between the reader, publisher and an author, said Dr Dhillon. As the PAU is celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year, special focus is being laid on e-learning resources. Dr Dhillon called upon the students, scientists and the city educational institutions to make best use of the PAU Book Fair.
Welcoming the dignitaries, participants and the visitors, Dr (Mrs) J.K.Sangha, Librarian, PAU, said that such an occasion is always looked forward by the academic community and the book lovers. She told that a range of books on subjects such as biotechnology, food processing, organic farming, mass communication, food and environment security, business management, engineering, agriculture, etc. have been displayed. Besides, exclusive stalls of Punjabi literature have been put up to promote Punjabi language as well as to inculcate reading habit. E-literature is a special attraction of the fair. Informing that the fair is open to general public, schools, colleges and institutes engaged in educational activities, she said that the entry to the fair is free fair and will remain open for the visitors from 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Dr Jagtar Singh Dhiman, Additional Director Communication, said that the PAU publications including Changi Kheti, Progressive Farming and other farm literature, are also available in the fair. Present on the occasion were former Vice-Chancellors, Dr S.S. Johl and Dr Manjit Singh Kang, PAU deans, directors, additional directors, faculty, students and heads of various departments of the university.