Sheeba Haji
Bandipora, Jan 05: In the land of great scholars and poets, known for Ilim (Knowledge), Adab (Literature), and Aab (Water), the students, scholars and aspirants preparing for different competitive exams yearn for some breathing space in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district as it serves as an example where, even in the modern era of the 21st century, a district-level library remains a distant dream.
Established in 1972, the district has only a tehsil-level library situated in private accommodation with insufficient study materials and lacking internet facilities; its location is unknown to some students, and many haven't even heard about it.
The lack of a modern district level library has forced aspirants of civil services to migrate to Srinagar so that they can avail the facility of library. “Had the facility been available in Bandipora, much expenditure of poor students would have been saved,” locals said.
The library comprises four rooms among them one serving as a reading room and the other for the office staff. "The library is not available beyond office time forcing students to spend only few hours," the students claimed.
Students especially the book worms said Since its inception in 1972, the Tehsil library has undergone several relocations. Initially situated in the main market, it faced adversity in 1974 when a fire incident led to its destruction. Following this, it was moved to another location. “Over the years, it experienced multiple shifts, relocating to various places, including the plan area, near Noor Masjid, and close to the Board office, each move occurring after a few years,” students told Kashmir Convener.
The library currently lacks essential resources that require urgent attention. Mariya, a student, said though some books are available, there is a need for improvements in infrastructure. She said that aside from internet connectivity, the conditions paint a grim picture; during her visit, it didn't resemble a library and appeared more like a decades-old bookshop.
“While our district is known as the land of Ilim, Adab and Aab, a tagline bestowed upon Bandipora by one of Kashmir’s most prominent Sufi saints, mystics, poets, and Islamic preachers, Nund Reshi, also known as Sheikh Nurudin Noorani, the sad state of affairs is that district is still having a tehsil library and it has not been upgraded. “Forget about upgradation, it has not even been given a proper address in 5 decades.”
“It should be developed with modern technology and should have 24X7 reading room for students preoaring for various competitive exams, locals appealed the district administration.
Sahil Bhat, another student said, "One of the main issues in the library is its limited operational hours; it doesn't remain functional 24 hours, and the seating arrangement is not up to par. I fail to understand why our scholars and intellectuals haven't fought for its modification over these years.”
Similar to these students, other aspirants striving for the betterment of their careers find it challenging and disharmonious to study in groups, making it difficult to focus entirely. Another significant issue persisting in the library is the lack of access to e-books or online resources.
The young aspirants expressed the difficulty they face in visiting the library, particularly for those students coming from the outskirts. They request the library administration to initiate online access to books, enabling them to stay connected with valuable resources until It's more modifications..
They said that the library is currently housed in private accommodation and urged the government to identify an alternative location for its establishment.
An official said that the higher authorities have approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) with a budget of 5.5 crore. There are optimistic expectations for the commencement of construction in March 2024, and the site for the new library has already been identified
However, locals express concern, stating that it has taken a considerable amount of time. They request the government to pinpoint a specific location for the betterment of the students, ensuring they can read without any disturbance or disruption.
Nasir Khuehami, Student Leader and National Convenor of Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, who also hails from the same district, expressed his concern over the unfortunate situation where, despite being recognized as a Knowledge Hub, the district still grapples with the absence of a modern library.
He pointed out that even ministers from the district overlooked this crucial matter during their tenures, which is regrettable.
Khuehami urged the government and district authorities to prioritise this issue and identify a suitable location for the construction of a new library equipped with modern technology.
