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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Air India suspends flights to Israel till May 31
Jerusalem (PTI): Amid the ongoing war in West Asia, Air India has suspended its flights to Israel till May 31.
An Air India executive confirmed to PTI that the airline has suspended flights on the New Delhi-Tel Aviv route till May 31.
Most of the leading airlines have suspended their operations on the Tel Aviv route with only Israeli carriers like El Al, IsraAir, Arkia and Air Haifa operating under severe restrictions.
The suspension of flights has caused major worries among more than 40,000 Indians living in Israel who wish to travel to India for personal or professional reasons, or even to escape the escalating tensions in the region.
Indians looking to leave Israel have to go through Jordan or Egypt by entering the two countries through the land crossings.
The Indian mission in Tel Aviv has been assisting those looking to travel through various means.
The embassy has also maintained regular contact with the community during the period, opening a 24x7 emergency line and also launching a massive registration drive.
Ambassador J P Singh and the embassy team on Saturday held virtual discussion with Indian workers and students across Israel to listen to their concerns, assuring them of “constant support during the ongoing crisis, and beyond”, the mission said on its social media handle.
The direct flight service between New Delhi and Tel Aviv was re-launched on January 1 with four weekly flights, utilising the advanced Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
However, flights have been disrupted ever since the US and Israel jointly attacked Iran on February 28.
The retaliation by the Islamic Republic extended the war to the entire Gulf region. The conflict has taken a major toll on energy supply chains, especially across the Strait of Hormuz.
