Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan Sunday hailed libraries as “temples of learning” that nurture critical thinking and empower individuals and communities. In a video message at the International Conference on “Libraries Empowering Communities – Global Perspectives” in Thiruvananthapuram, he commended the P N Panicker Foundation’s sustained contribution to promoting reading culture and digital literacy.
“Libraries are dynamic spaces of learning, inclusion, and innovation,” Radhakrishnan said. “They serve as knowledge hubs that enable people to access authentic information and counter misinformation.”
The Vice-President reflected on India’s ancient civilizational ethos, noting that the country’s tradition of learning continues to inspire its pursuit of wisdom and social progress. He lauded Kerala’s exceptional legacy in education and literacy, paying tributes to P N Panicker’s vision that transformed libraries into vibrant community centers.
Radhakrishnan emphasized the need to strengthen the network of public and community libraries across the nation, empowering people through knowledge. The conference, organized by the P N Panicker Foundation, brings together experts to deliberate on libraries’ evolving role in the knowledge society.