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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Pakistan reports two more polio cases; Total tally now 52
ISLAMABAD: At least two more cases of poliovirus were reported in Pakistan, taking the number of infections to 52 so far this year, a report said on Friday.
“The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed the detection of two more wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases in Pakistan," an official statement said.
The fresh infections — a boy and a girl — were reported from the Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.
“Genetic sequencing of the samples collected from the children is underway," the statement read. Dera Ismail Khan, one of the seven polio-endemic districts of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has reported five polio cases so far this year.
Of the 52 cases in the country this year, 24 are from Balochistan, 13 from Sindh, 13 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.
There is no cure for polio. Only multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of five can keep them protected.
