Library of a different kind

Books were the main source for education outside school and one should utilise every opportunity that was given to them to acquire knowledge.

They pledged to dedicate their time to acquire knowledge and develop a reading culture which would enable them to bring a positive change not only to their lives but also to society.

For the inmates of the Central Prison, Poojappura, who spend a considerable amount of time in the company of books, there could have been no better time to take such a pledge than during the Reading Week celebrations.

‘Vayanotsavam’

Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan inaugurated the ‘Vayanotsavam-2012' here at the Central prison on Friday. Additional Director-General of Police (Prisons) Alexander Jacob recited the 'Reading Day' pledge to the inmates at the function jointly organised by the Central Prison, P.N. Panicker Foundation, and various other departments. (The Reading day observed on June 19 is a week-long celebration to honour P.N. Panicker who started the library movement in Kerala).

Books were the main source for education outside school and one should utilise every opportunity that was given to them to acquire knowledge.

It was important to inculcate reading habits among people for the development of society, said Mr. Radhakrishnan to the gathered audience.

The prison has a collection of 15,000 books and at least 80 persons use the library daily.

The fact that an inmate had taken a Ph.D. and as many as 124 inmates were pursing various degree courses in the different jails was an achievement, said Mr. Alexander Jacob.

The prison library has a varied collection of books and has a regular supply of all the leading national and regional newspapers and magazines. The prison also has computer labs, television, and radios for the inmates to keep up with the latest happenings around the world.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/article3562135.ece