Chief Minister Launches Third Book Fair in Panchkula, Inaugurates New Libraries

Chief Minister Launches Third Book Fair in Panchkula, Inaugurates New Libraries

Chandigarh, November 4 – Haryana Chief Minister Shri Naib Singh Saini inaugurated the third book fair in Panchkula today. During the event, he also launched three new Sardar Patel libraries via video conferencing in the villages of Arunai in Kurukshetra, Bada in Karnal, and Madana in Jhajjar. The Chief Minister took the opportunity to explore the book fair and unveil several new publications.

Emphasizing the importance of literature in preserving culture and heritage, Saini stated, “Knowledge illuminates our lives, dispelling darkness.” He explained that the purpose of this book fair is to enhance knowledge among the people. He recalled Prime Minister Modi’s words about lighting lamps in the darkest places, indicating that every book can serve as a beacon of knowledge.

The Chief Minister noted the availability of thousands of books in various languages at the fair, highlighting the strong public participation as evidence of the community’s recognition of the importance of books. He encouraged individuals to explore the wealth of information available that aligns with their interests.

Saini pointed out that the worship of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, occurs in schools and libraries, where students gain in-depth knowledge through study. He announced that under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) has opened more than 25 libraries in the past three years. Today’s inauguration of three new libraries serves as an inspiration for other departments.

In addressing youth employment, the Chief Minister asserted that the BJP government has promised to provide 200,000 jobs to the state’s youth. He emphasized the necessity of libraries for preparing for competitive exams and announced upgrades to digital libraries in colleges and schools. The government is also establishing village libraries equipped with computers, allowing youth to access online resources and e-books. Saini remarked that over the last ten years, youth in the state have secured jobs without any need for bribes, significantly changing the atmosphere as they focus on studying rather than seeking recommendations.

Additionally, Saini highlighted the “Mhara Gaon-Jagmag Gaon” initiative, under which 86% of villages are now receiving 24-hour electricity, contributing to the state’s self-sufficiency in power. The Chief Minister revealed that over 200 villages are being developed into model villages under the ideal village scheme, with CSR efforts focused on poverty eradication, malnutrition, healthcare, sanitation, environmental protection, pensions, education, gender ratio, sports development, and support for the Prime Minister’s relief fund. He acknowledged the significant contributions made by private companies during the pandemic under CSR initiatives.

The construction of the Sardar Patel libraries in Bada, Arunai, and Madana Kalana villages was funded at a cost of ₹20 lakh each by UHBVN. These libraries feature computer and internet facilities, providing ample benefits to the youth in surrounding areas.

Prominent attendees at the event included MLA from Kalka, Mrs. Shaktirani Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department, Mr. A.K. Singh, Chairman of SEIAA, Mr. P.K. Das, Managing Director of UHBVN, Dr. Saket Kumar, former Assembly Speaker, Mr. Gyan Chand Gupta, Chief Minister’s political advisor, Mr. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, and BJP District President, Mr. Deepak Sharma.

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