Srinagar Mar 25: The Department of Library and Information Science (DLIS), University of Kashmir (KU), concluded a two-day national seminar on “Libraries: Pillars of Unity, Harmony and National Integrity,” sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), at the Main Campus.
The seminar focused on the role of libraries in promoting social cohesion, equitable knowledge access, and national integration in a changing information environment.
Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, in her address at the inaugural session, said, “Libraries are not only repositories of knowledge but also spaces that promote dialogue, understanding and shared values. Their role in strengthening unity and social harmony becomes even more important in diverse and evolving societies.”
Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, in his remarks, noted that libraries play an important role in ensuring equitable access to information and supporting academic and social development, while also contributing to a more informed and connected society.
Prof. Margam Madhusudhan, University of Delhi, emphasised the need to address the digital divide and ensure that library services remain accessible and relevant in the digital era.
Prof. Preeti Mahajan, DLIS, Panjab University, and Prof. S. M. Shafi, former head, DLIS KU, highlighted the importance of strengthening library systems to make them more inclusive and responsive to the needs of diverse user communities.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Head, DLIS KU, Prof. Sumeer Gul, introduced the theme of the seminar and welcomed the participants and experts from across the country.
The seminar featured a series of technical sessions over two days, during which more than 80 research papers were presented on diverse themes. Scholars and practitioners from institutions such as the University of Delhi, IIT Delhi, Panjab University, University of Jammu, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Central University of Himachal Pradesh and other reputed institutions participated in the seminar.
A special lecture on “Sustainable AI for Academic Libraries” was delivered by Dr. Raj Kumar Bharadwaj, Librarian, St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, while academic engagement activities, including quiz competitions, were also held during the seminar.
The valedictory session was attended by Dean Research KU, Prof. Mohammad Sultan Bhat; Controller of Examinations KU, Prof. Majid Zaman Baba; and Dr. Abdul Majid Baba, former librarian KU, who appreciated the academic deliberations and participation from across the country.
The seminar concluded with a formal vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to ICSSR for its support, as well as to the speakers, participants and the organising committee for the successful conduct of the event.
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