Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 13 December 2025
In a significant step towards strengthening the cultural and educational infrastructure of Car Nicobar, the foundation stone for the renovation and modernisation of the District Library Building was laid on December 12, 2025. The milestone event marks the beginning of the transformation of the existing library into a modern, state-of-the-art knowledge centre for the island.
The foundation stone was laid in the presence of Mr. Amit Kale, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar District, and Mr. Lionald Nicomede, Chairman, Tribal Council, Car Nicobar, along with officers and representatives from various departments.
The long-awaited upgradation of the District Library is being undertaken with the support of the Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF) under the National Mission on Libraries (NML), Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The project aims to enhance public access to knowledge resources while aligning the facility with contemporary library standards.
Under the scheme, the library will be upgraded with improved infrastructure, digital and IT-based library services, and modernised public access facilities. Special emphasis will also be laid on creating inclusive infrastructure to cater to the needs of specially abled persons, ensuring accessibility for all sections of society.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted that the modernised library would go beyond conventional reading spaces by offering advanced digital facilities. He also announced the introduction of a unique Musical Arts Room, a fully soundproof audio recording facility equipped with a range of musical instruments. Funded through the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP), the facility is envisioned to nurture creativity and provide students and youth of Car Nicobar with opportunities to develop and showcase their musical talents.
Earlier, a welcome address was delivered by Mr. Swapan Paik, Education Officer, Car Nicobar, who underlined the importance of libraries as centres of learning and community engagement. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Everlyn, Vice Principal, Government Senior Secondary School, Malacca.
