Release of the book titled ‘The Library Man of India: The Story of P.N. Panicker,’ authored by Shri P.P. Sathyan

I touch and salute the Holy Feet of Bharat Mata – the Most Powerful and the Most Merciful. Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

Today, on the occasion of the release of the book, “The Library Man of India: The Story of P.N. Panicker”, by Shri P.P. Sathyan Ji, the dignitaries sharing the dais with me, Hon’ble Union Minister of State in the Ministries of Petroleum & Natural Gas andTourism, Shri Suresh Gopi Ji; Former Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Prof. P.J. Kurien Ji; Vice Chairman, P.N.Panicker Foundation, Shri N. Balagopal Ji; and other dignitaries.

Sabko Namaskar!

Today, we are remembering a man who transformed the destiny of millions through the silent power of books. That man was Shri P. N. Panicker Ji. I would like to congratulate the author, Shri P.P. Sathyan Ji, for writing this book on the Library Man of India with the relevant inputs from his son, Shri N. Balagopal Ji, and his grandson, Shri Rajeev Nair Ji. The book is truly a testament to the extra-ordinary vision of Panicker Ji. Congratulations to all of you!

Shri P. N. Panicker Ji was not a ruler, not a wealthy man, nor someone who possessed political power. He was a simple, khadiclad individual with an extra-ordinary dream — a dream that every human being, irrespective of caste, class, poverty, or geography, should have access to knowledge. Born in a small village in Kuttanad in 1909, young Panicker understood very early that illiteracy was not merely the inability to read; it was a barrier to dignity, opportunity, and human progress. We should remember that it was that time in colonial India, when many did not know about newspapers. The author writes in the book that “his attempt to bring a newspaper to his panchayat marked the commencement of the people’s library and literacy movement in Kerala.”

Shri Panicker Ji led a quiet revolution in a small village from a humble reading room called ‘Sanatana Dharma Library’, which eventually transformed the social and intellectual landscape of Kerala. I came across an interesting observation in the book — The author says that the very name Sanatana Dharma reflected the larger vision of Shri P. N. Panicker Ji. It showed his belief that knowledge, wisdom, and learning should serve humanity universally and become a guiding force for social awakening. What began with just a handful of libraries became a people’s movement. Village after village, town after town, he travelled tirelessly — often with no concern for personal comfort, wealth, or recognition. He walked into the remotest tribal settlements, met ordinary people, inspired volunteers, and awakened a society through books and learning. His mantra was simple, yet powerful — “Read and Grow”. Those three words ignited a cultural awakening. This is why Shri Panicker Ji is rightly called the Father of the Cultural Renaissance of Kerala, for he believed that knowledge should never belong only to a privileged few.

Friends, libraries have travelled a long and remarkable journey through human civilisation. In ancient times, libraries were repositories of manuscripts, palm-leaf texts, and rare scrolls carefully preserved for scholars and seekers of knowledge. Bharat also had a glorious tradition of libraries and centres of learning. Great institutions such as Nalanda and Takshashila housed thousands of manuscripts on philosophy, science, medicine, astronomy, literature, and spirituality. Scholars from across the world travelled to Bharat in search of wisdom and knowledge.

Today, libraries have entered the digital age. Modern libraries provide e-books, digital archives and online learning resources, making knowledge available to people across the world with just a click. However, despite this progress, one serious concern remains — the gradual decline of reading habits among the youth. Many young people today spend more time on mobile phones, social media, and short-form entertainment than with books. The culture of deep reading, reflection, and thoughtful learning is slowly disappearing. While technology has brought convenience, it has also reduced patience, concentration, and meaningful engagement with literature and knowledge. If this trend continues, we may become technologically advanced but intellectually shallow. I always believe that a society that stops reading gradually loses its ability to think critically, imagine creatively, and understand deeply.

At such a time, it is books such as these that can play a transformative role in spreading thespirit of reading and reflection in society. I appreciate Shri P. P. Sathyan Ji for thoughtfully highlighting the urgent need to revive the culture of reading among the younger generation. I am glad to see that the P.N. Panicker Foundation, under the dedicated efforts of Shri N. Balagopal Ji, is carrying forward the legacy. The Foundation is doing remarkable work in promoting the culture of reading and learning. I appreciate you and wish you success! In an age increasingly shaped by digital screens and shrinking attention spans, libraries must once again emerge as vibrant centres of knowledge.

Our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shriman Narendra Modi Ji, during last year’s Mann Ki Baat emphasised that libraries should evolve into dynamic hubs of creativity. It is the collective responsibility of parents, teachers, and society at large to inspire children to read not merely for examinations or professional success, but for wisdom, values, character-building, and the enrichment of the human spirit. I also appreciate the Government’s visionary One Nation, One Subscription initiative. This initiative seeks to provide nationwide access to high-impact international scholarly research articles and journals for students, faculty members, and researchers across Higher Education Institutions and Research & Development Institutions under the Central and State Governments. Another great initiative of the Government is the Gyan Bharatam Mission, which is playing a transformative role in preserving, digitising, and disseminating India’s priceless manuscript heritage. The wisdom of our ancient civilisation is now being made accessible to future generations through the power of technology and innovation. These landmark initiatives will greatly strengthen India’s knowledge ecosystem and promote a culture of research, innovation, and academic excellence.

Friends, the greatness of Shri Panicker Jiis that he did not stop at building libraries. He built hope. He built awareness. He built confidence among ordinary citizens who had long remained on the margins of society. A library can change a child’s future.A book can transform a life. And one determined individual can transform an entire society. As we remember this legendary son of India, let us also renew our commitment towards reading, learning, and spreading knowledge. Let us encourage our children to cultivate the habit of reading. Let us strengthen our libraries as centres of wisdom, creativity, and social harmony. The story of Shri Panicker Ji reminds us that true greatness lies not in what we accumulate for ourselves, but in what we give to humanity. His life was a lamp that lit millions of other lamps. And that light continues to shine.

• Thank you.
• Jai Hind!
• Long Live Mother Bharat!

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