The ruling BJP has now both ‘good food’ and ‘food for thought’ as it has a swanky new library standing in leafy surrounding across a freshly done canteen in the party headquarters.
The library, housed in the single storey building, the latest of party’s acquisition and the first in the knowledge sphere, is meant for those party workers or leaders who care for ‘Gyan arjan’ and willing to tickle their grey cells after having their fill in the modern food court.
Interestingly, the BJP’s library seems to engage the left-wing thought too with rotating wire magazine racks displaying left publications along with the magazines affiliated with the party.
Right-wing publications like Panchjanya, Organiser and kamal sandesh are giving company to the left ideological New Age, lok lahar and Mukti Sangharsh.
A short flight of steps leads one to the library hall as famous and inspirational quotes of Swami Vivekananda could be read on the side wall.
“This is a time of globalisation and communication should be with the content. The library would provide BJP workers to study and gain information about the party, country and the society,” said BJP general secretary and headquarters in-charge Arun Singh. The library is not open to “outsiders” and entry to it would be through a pass, the BJP leader pointed out.
A fresh set of 10 volumes on Veer Savarkar adorns the shelf of the library along with the complete works of Swami Vivekananad.
The digital section the library has, so far, 2000 e-books with more being uploaded.
The range of books is dominantly in line with the BJP’s ideology of ‘Rashtravad’. Besides Savarkar, books like ‘Aurobindo-Autobiographical Notes’ and those relating to BR Ambedkar have also been acquired.
In a pointer to the futuristic role of the library in providing reference material to researchers, books on constituent assembly debates and history of the BJP are available in the library room which has a modern setting with a pleasant view from the window.
The walls of the library have a number of quotes from many historical personalities, writers and poets. “learn well what should be learnt and then live your learning,” says a quote from ancient Tirukkural of Sangam literature, authored by famed Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar.
In the modern context, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message in reference to the digital library too is on display. “We are a nation of mouse charmers . Every young person in India uses a mouse on the computer,” speaks Modi.
Asked about the budget for the library and new purchases, Singh quips : “Knowledge has no budget.” With the two-some shining facilities -canteen and library-in place, BJP workers and leaders should now not be having any gastronomical or cerebral complaints.