Stop WhatsApp Obsession, Develop Habit of Reading Books: Dr. Purushottama Bilimale
Bengaluru: Renowned retired professor, Dr. Purushottama Bilimale, has stressed on the need to shift away from the obsession with WhatsApp and move towards fostering a culture of reading books. Speaking at the Second Indian Library Session organised by the Indian Library Congress Organizing Committee at Jnan Jyoti Hall, Dr. Bilimale expressed disappointment over the diminishing importance of libraries in the digital age.
He said, "We have now reached below the WhatsApp University. There is no review or discussion. Now WhatsApp has eaten the library too. It is sad that teachers and lecturers are caught in this." Dr. Bilimale stressed the importance of increasing knowledge and suggested revitalising libraries to meet modern needs.
Advocating for digitization, Dr. Bilimale proposed the creation of digital libraries to make information accessible to everyone, irrespective of location. He also spoke about the need to digitise Karnataka's folk arts, ensuring preservation and accessibility.
Reflecting on globalisation, Dr. Bilimale urged for the elevation of Indian literature to a global platform, citing the perspective of renowned writer Kuvempu. He recalled the disciplinary role of books in education during the 1960s and 70s, highlighting their significance in shaping learning experiences.
Rajya Sabha member V. Sivadasan echoed the importance of libraries in fostering awareness about constitutional principles and secularism. He announced plans for the third library congress to be held in Telangana, emphasising the role of libraries in promoting societal awareness.
Dr. Satish Hosmani highlighted the establishment of 447 digital libraries in the state, with a significant membership base. He spoke about the importance of utilising these resources to reach rural areas effectively.
The event was attended by Telangana Rajya Sabha Member AVN Raju, Dr. L. Hanumantiah, Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Lecturer Prof. L. N. Mukundaraj, E. Basavaraju, and other dignitaries.
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Another North Goa nightclub sealed; Kejriwal says corruption led to fire tragedy
Panaji (PTI): As part of a crackdown against tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms in the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa authorities on Saturday sealed a renowned club at Vagator and revoked the fire department NOC of another club.
Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa, was sealed. The move came two days after Goya Club, also in Vagator, was shut down for alleged violations of rules.
Elsewhere, campaigning for local body polls, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6, happened because the BJP government in the state was corrupt.
An inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa by a state government-appointed team revealed that the establishment, with a seating capacity of 250, did not possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The club, which sits atop Ozrant Cliff, also did not have structural stability, the team found.
The Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday also revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate, said divisional fire officer Shripad Gawas.
A notice was issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club, he said in the order.
Campaigning at Chimbel village near Panaji in support of his party's Zilla Panchayat election candidate, Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal said the nightclub fire at Arpora happened because of the "corruption of the Pramod Sawant-led state government."
"Why this fire incident happened? I read in the newspapers that the nightclub had no occupancy certificate, no building licence, no excise licence, no construction licence or trade licence. The entire club was illegal but still it was going on," he said.
"How could it go on? Couldn't Pramod Sawant or anyone else see it? I was told that hafta (bribe) was being paid," the former Delhi chief minister said.
A person can not work without bribing officials in the coastal state, Kejriwal said, alleging that officers, MLAs and even ministers are accepting bribes.
