LUDHIANA: Fabled as a Mecca for those appearing for competitive examinations, Punjab Agricultural University's (PAU) library boasts of a vast collection of books and journals. The library is a boon for countless students who cannot afford to pay hefty coaching fees and the results have borne fruit with many such candidates coming out with flying colours in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and other competitive examinations.
PAU student Shalini Agnihotri, who ranked 285 in the UPSC examination, is proud of the library. "I am from a middle-class family and was dependent on the library for the preparation for UPSC examination. It is a storehouse of knowledge and for the last one year, the library has become my second home," said Agnihotri, who is from Himachal Pradesh. "Besides, you will find many like-minded people here and the spirit of competition and excelling is in the air," she added.
For Harbhajan Singh Naghi, who cleared Punjab Civil Services (PCS) examination last month, the library is the place that oozes motivation and energy. "I can sit here for 12 hours at a stretch and study and not get tired at all. This is an amazing place, full of energy and motivation. On working days, I used to come here at 3pm and study till 11pm," said Naghi, 37, who is working as a medical officer at Samrala civil hospital.
"I started coming here in December 2010 and even after clearing the examination, I visit frequently to read books by my favourite authors," said Naghi, who did not take any coaching for the examination. He stays near Jalandhar bypass chowk. "I stay in a two-room rented accommodation in Ghumar Mandi area. We are four siblings and it was impossible to study at night while during the day I was busy with my job."
For many aspiring to clear various competitive examinations, the library at PAU is nothing short of a second home.
"The library reading room and reference books proved saviour and helped me clear the probation officer test of a nationalized bank," said Rahul Aggarwal, 27, the son of an autorickshaw driver.
Rahul, who had done BSc from PAU, got his first posting as PO in Faridkot.
"I could not afford to pay the fees of coaching institutes so I started coming to PAU library and reading room. The staff here is very supportive. I have cleared the test for food and supplies department and now am preparing for the PCS examination," said Rajinder Khanna, 25, resident of Sarabha Nagar.
