“Libraries, often underappreciated sanctuaries, offer more than books—they are gateways to imagination, knowledge, and wisdom. Amid the quiet shelves, students can explore diverse perspectives, discover new passions, and engage with the world beyond the classroom.”
Bhopal
In the bustling life of college, where deadlines and digital distractions compete for attention, cultivating the habit of reading can be a transformative refuge.
Regular reading sharpens the mind, enriches vocabulary, and fosters critical thinking, preparing students not just for exams, but for life’s myriad challenges.
Libraries, often underappreciated sanctuaries, offer more than books—they are gateways to imagination, knowledge, and wisdom. Amid the quiet shelves, students can explore diverse perspectives, discover new passions, and engage with the world beyond the classroom.
Keeping this in mind, Forest College and Research Institute (FC&RI), Mettupalayam, Coimbatore, Dean Nihar Ranjan initiated a drive this year in January, wherein every month a book is given as gift to at least five to ten students who are inclined towards reading.
Speaking on the subject the Dean said, “I explained to students that by dedicating even a one hour daily to reading, one nurtures curiosity, empathy, and intellectual independence. Embracing reading and libraries is not merely academic—it is an invitation to lifelong growth, self-discovery, and the endless adventure of the mind.”
Apart from the students the Dean Nihar Ranjan feels that colleges and educational institutions have a big role to play and must inspire students to frequent these repositories of learning, organising reading circles, literary events, and interactive sessions that celebrate the joy of books.
“It has been thoughtfully enriched with a diverse range of books spanning philosophy, communication skills, personality development, history, and culture, made possible through generous contributions from sponsors. Under this initiative, anyone—scholars, students, or well-wishers—can donate either new or gently used books to the FC&RI Library,” he continues about the FC&RI library.
Through personal networks and goodwill, donations amounting to approximately Rs. 50,000 have been mobilised, enabling the acquisition of valuable out-of-course titles that now grace the library’s shelves. Now the library has rich additions like Bhagat Singh The Jail Notebook and Other Writings authored by Chaman Lal; The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team player by John C Maxwell, 101 Human Stories from Indian Elections-Belief in the Ballot by Shahid Anwar and more in addition to forestry-related books.
I personally strongly feel that such books will definitely help the students in widening their outlook and improving their personality and soft skill of the younger generation,” avers the Dean.
This careful curation is not only broadening the intellectual horizons of young readers but also transforming the library into a vibrant hub of knowledge and learning, reflecting a collective commitment to nurturing curiosity, scholarship, and lifelong reading habits.
