CM iugurates Asia's biggest digital library in Silchar

 SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR, Sept 5: On the occasion of the 55th Teachers’ Day Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal iugurated Asia’s biggest digital library dedicated to the memory of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India, in NIT Silchar this evening in the presence of dignitaries, the Director, teaching staff and students of the premier institute. It was the wish of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam during his last visit to the Institute to have a world class library stacked with 1 lakh books and research papers. He also promised he would again visit the Institute if it was accomplished.

 Unfortutely, his sudden demise could not make it possible. It was the initiative and hard work put up by Prof. N V Deshpande, Director, along with his staff that could make the dream of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam come true. In order to bring his memory alive, the library built at the cost of Rs.28 crore and standing on 90,000 sq. ft. has been med ‘Bharat Rat Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Learning Resource Centre’. The Chief Minister also unveiled the marble statue of the late President in the premises of the digital library. It will remain open 24X7.

 Sarbanda Sonowal was all praise for the NIT Director Prof. Deshpande and the students for showing the respect to the great educationist and scientist, known as ‘missile man’ of the country on this great day which also happens to be the birth day of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishn, the first President of India. He said, “I am very much impressed and feel proud to see how the students of this Institute have paid respect to a great teacher and the NIT for dedicating the digital library in his memory.” NIT Director came in for high praise for taking the Institute to the height of excellence.

 The Chief Minister appreciated the remarkable achievements of Silchar NIT. Students, he said, could bring about lot of changes in the higher centre of learning by making proper utilization of opportunities. He at the same time pointed out, “Students have to learn lot of things from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and get inspired to do service to the society and the tion.” He recalled how Prime Minister rendra Modi ‘is taking all possible steps to make India the best tion in the world by laying stress on skill development and make in India’. The students of institutes like NIT Silchar have much to contribute towards the call of the Prime Minister.

 His advice to students present was, “If you want parivartan, hard labour and perseverance alone can overcome all obstacles and reach the destition”. Students have to work with their heads held high and mind without fear. This is what, “I have learnt in life,” pointed out Sarbanda Sonowal. With the blessings of teachers, students have to move forward. Besides, fulfilling their dreams from this centre of higher studies, they have also to take care of their parents who sacrifice everything for their sake to see them as good citizens of the country.

 Institutes like NIT produce experienced Indian citizens who dedicate themselves to the cause of the tion. Sonowal said, “You all are to be powerful man in society and make India the best tion in the world.”

On this occasion, Sonowal said, “I was also a student and it was the best part of my life. Today, I am the Chief Minister and I have greater responsibility on my shoulders to work for the society and tion. But, in the tumultuous life as a Chief Minister, I can hardly forget the great moment of my school life.”

He concluded his speech by advising the students to follow the ideals and ideas of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and adopt them in life. Among the dignitaries present included Deputy Speaker of Assam, Dilip Kumar Paul, PWD Minister, Parimal Suklabaidya, Director of Guwahati IIT, Gautam Baruah, Deputy Commissioner of Cachar, S Viswathan, and MLAs of Barak Valley.