Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 116th episode of his monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat, highlighted the transformative role of libraries as hubs of creativity and learning. He lauded efforts across India to cultivate a love for books among children and emphasized the importance of fostering creativity through such initiatives.

“Books are said to be a man’s best friend, and what better place to strengthen this friendship than a library?” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister praised several notable examples of libraries making an impact. In Chennai, he highlighted the ‘Prakrith Arivagam’ library, which has become a center for creativity and learning for children. He credited Shriram Gopalan, a tech professional, for conceptualizing the library to inspire young minds to embrace reading and learning.

“There are over 3,000 books in this library, and children compete to read them. Beyond books, activities like storytelling sessions, art workshops, memory training, and public speaking engage children and nurture their creativity,” PM Modi said.

He also acknowledged the efforts of Hyderabad’s ‘Food for Thought Foundation,’ which has established numerous libraries aimed at providing children with access to authentic information across various subjects.

In Bihar’s Golapganj, the Prime Minister spotlighted the ‘Prayog Library,’ which serves youth from 12 villages. He said that this library not only provides reading facilities but also supports students preparing for competitive exams. “It’s inspiring to see libraries being used to empower society and create opportunities for education,” he emphasized.

Encouraging the public to connect with books, PM Modi said, “Increase your friendship with books and witness remarkable changes in your life.”

(Inputs from ANI)