The Ananda Rangapillai Library of Pondicherry University inaugurated a 3-day International Conference on G20 Library Summit (Connecting the Nations for Knowledge and Cultural Heritage) on 7th February 2024. More than 300 delegates from G20 countries are taking part in the event. The idea of conducting this conference emerged six months ago intending to connect and collaborate with the libraries of G20 countries.
More than 1.3 lakh visitors from 85 countries have viewed the conference portal. Prof. K. Tharanikkarasu, Vice Chancellor (i/c), Pondicherry University presided over the conference. It emphasized in his presidential address the role of librarians in minimizing the complexities among the end users by providing tailor-made information from reliable sources and read the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi ji message.
Dr. M. Vijayakumar, University Librarian & Organising Secretary welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering. Mr. Andrei Sokolov from Russia, Prof. Borayin Larios, French Institute Pondicherry, and Prof. Constantine Matoke Nyamboga, Vice Chancellor of Lukenya University, Kenya graced the occasion and addressed the gathering that India has close association with many foreign countries, especially the contribution of Indians to Russia and Kenya in upbringing the youth by imparting quality education through collaboration and networking.
Prof. Clement S Lourdes, Director of Culture and Cultural Relations highlighted the importance of library professionals in supporting teaching-learning and research to impart quality education. Prof. Devika Madalli, Director, INFLIBNET in her inaugural address stated that librarians across the globe need to collaborate for creating and maintaining open data repositories since the data play a major role in enhancing the R&D activities qualitatively. Dr. Shibu K M presented the conference theme and Dr. M. Baskar delivered a vote of thanks.