Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 16 March 2025
The Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, inaugurated the Mobile Library Van at the scenic Marina Park on Thursday. The event was attended by Secretary (Education) Mr. L. Kumar, IAS, Secretary (Vigilance) Mr. Neeraj Bharthi, IAS, Secretary (APWD) Ms. Purva Garg, IAS, along with officials from the Education Department and school children.
In his address, Dr. Kumar lauded the Education Department’s efforts in expanding the concept of the Mobile Library and emphasized the administration’s commitment to fostering reading habits across all age groups. He described the initiative as a step towards making books more accessible to children and senior citizens alike. “One of the best habits we can cultivate in our children is a love for reading, and it is our collective duty to encourage this,” he remarked.
The Chief Secretary also urged students to explore books on diverse subjects, highlighting their role in self-discovery and personal growth. He further expressed his desire for the Mobile Library service to be extended to other islands, ensuring wider reach beyond the South Andaman District.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Director of Education Mr. Vikram Singh emphasized the Mobile Library’s role as an extension of the State Library, particularly in promoting reading habits in rural areas. He announced the addition of a new halting station for the Mobile Library Van at Marina Park, providing access to visitors, students, and the general public.
The Mobile Library boasts a collection of approximately 1,008 books, including materials for competitive exams, sports-related literature, children’s comics and short stories, biographies, English fiction, regional language books, religious texts, newspapers, and periodicals. A dedicated corner for senior citizens has also been established, along with books covering the historical aspects of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The inauguration of the Mobile Library Service at Marina Park marks a significant milestone in the administration’s literacy drive. The initiative aims to bring books and educational resources directly to the people, promoting knowledge and fostering a culture of reading and learning. Additionally, it seeks to enlighten tourists about the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters and the rich cultural heritage of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. (Story Based on PR)