Lumbini, August 28
On the auspicious occasion of the 17th National Library Day, 2081, the Central Library of Lumbini Buddhist University has organized a speech competition titled “Library for Continuous Education” on the eve of National Library Day. The event was chaired by Dr Sharada Poudel, Chief of the Central Library, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Subarna Lal Bajracharya as the chief guest and Dr Tilak Ram Acharya, the Registrar of the University as the distinguished guest.
The competition, hosted by Assistant Lecturer Lilamani Pandey, saw the participation of several dignitaries, including Prof Bimalendra Kumar, ICCR Chair; Dr Manik Ratna Shakya, Dean of the Faculty of Buddhist Studies; Dr Harisharan Chakhun, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; Mr Indra Kafley, Examination Controller of the University; Dr Nir Bahadur Gurung and Mr. Fanindra Kumar Neupane, Campus Chiefs of Central Campus and City Campus respectively; Dr. Kumar Khadka, Coordinator of International Relations at Lumbini Buddhist University; and Mr. Lilamani Sharma, representing Lumbini Hotel Association.
Fourteen contestants from both campuses participated in the speech contest. Mr Lakpa Phunsok from Central Campus received the consolation prize, while Mr Anil Gurung from the same campus secured the third position. Ms Manisha Khatri from City College secured the second position, and Mr Amar Pandey from City College won the first place. The panel of judges included Dr Nyima Sherpa, Coordinator of Bhot Buddhist Studies; Assistant Lecturer Anju Khanal, Coordinator of BTTM, Central Campus; and Assistant Lecturer Mr Dayaram Bhandari.
During the event, Lecturer Sanjay Shakya and Assistant Lecturer Rabindra Dangol were recognized with “The Most Regular Library Visitor Award,” while Assistant Lecturer Mr. Gajendra Gupta received “The Best Book Issuer Award.” Students Ms Dikshya Gyawali from City College and Mr Binod Lodh from Central Campus received awards to encourage their readership based on their use of the library.
The event also included the honour and farewell of Mr Vijay Singh Chhetry, who served in the library for nearly a decade and was recently promoted and transferred to the Central Campus. The Vice-Chancellor and Registrar awarded certificates, medals, and tokens of appreciation to all awardees in the event.
Students from both the campuses demonstrated their cultural performances with enthusiasm for which all the participants were recognized with a token of love (books) connecting the theme of the occasion.
Mrs Sanju Bhandari delivered a warm welcome speech appreciating the gracious presence of the Chief Guest, distinguished Guest, and all the guests and participants of the event considering the value of the event. Mrs Kamala Gautam, officer at the Central Library, presented a projection outlining the regular activities and plans of the Library administration.
The distinguished guest, Dr Tilak Ram Acharya, emphasized the importance of developing the library beyond traditional hardbound books and highlighted the need to enhance readership, where the library plays a crucial role. He encouraged the library department to make visible progress in research and readership in the coming year.
The chief guest, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Subarna Lal Bajracharya, shared his long and inspiring experiences related to libraries and commended the recent systems adopted by the department. He noted that managing and developing a library is a continuous and often challenging process, where progress may not always be immediately visible. He urged the library staff to remain patient and committed.
In her closing remarks, Dr Sharada Poudel, the chairperson of the event expressed her optimism for the future of the library, noting that both current library employees hold Master’s degrees in Library Science, which assures of the continued development of the central library. She added that they are planning to work in coordination with other libraries to meet the goal and soon the resources of the central library will be in the hands of the readers and researchers by digitalizing them.