Library Saga: Where Knowledge Meets Dustbin
2 min read
Located Right Outside The library, Near Vidhan Sabha
Shimla, March 04, Ritanjali Hastir
In the digital age, libraries have transformed into multifaceted arenas where the pursuit of knowledge intertwines with the pursuit of the latest fashion trends. While many students visit libraries with the genuine intent to study, a unique phenomenon unfolds where the ambiance meant for deep learning becomes a backdrop for showcasing the latest fashion ensemble. Aspiring to become IAS, HAS officers, and more, they often overlook the fundamentals of civic sense.
In this paradoxical drama, as they meticulously prepare for bureaucratic ascendancy, the future gatekeepers of our nation appear to have misplaced the keys to basic, everyday sensibilities. As they immerse themselves in policy frameworks, one wonders if they’ll pause to reflect on the simpler aspects of communal living.
These knowledge sanctuaries, once revered as havens of enlightenment, now witness a peculiar blend of intellectual pursuits and fashion-conscious endeavors. As the pages of books gather dust, some visitors seem more interested in the aesthetics of library spaces than the profound knowledge they hold.
As the shelves of knowledge-laden books gather dust, our youth is more inclined to discover the latest fashion trends than to differentiate between a dustbin and a hydrant box. It seems the primary purpose of libraries has shifted from intellectual enlightenment to being a backdrop for the latest wardrobe ensemble. The irony is glaring – the library, once a haven for profound thoughts and scholarly pursuits, now echoes with the crinkling of snack wrappers and the murmurs of social media updates.
One might argue that building libraries and providing a warm ambiance is the government’s effort to encourage reading and studying. However, the responsibility of utilizing these spaces for their intended purpose lies with the self-proclaimed intellectuals, who seem more interested in showcasing their curated bookshelf aesthetics than flipping through the pages.
The government’s investment in creating conducive spaces for intellectual growth seems to be lost on the youth, who have turned libraries into mere hangout spots. The warm glow of reading lamps now competes with the luminosity of smartphone screens, as students prioritize Snapchat streaks over Shakespeare.
It’s time to question the responsibility of these so-called super intellects who adorn the library with their presence. Are libraries becoming trendy social hubs, or are they still sanctuaries for cultivating knowledge? Perhaps, in the race for online popularity, the essence of libraries as centers for intellectual development is being overlooked.
Building a library is one thing; utilizing it responsibly is another. The responsibility lies not just with the government but with every individual who walks through those hallowed doors. It’s high time our youth rekindle their romance with knowledge and give libraries the reverence they truly deserve, transforming them from mere fashion photo studios back into the temples of wisdom they were meant to be.
