Vice President Radhakrishnan lauds Kerala’s legacy in literacy movement

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 2: Vice President of India C P Radhakrishnan on Sunday addressed the international conference on ‘Libraries Empowering Communities – Global Perspectives’, organised by the P N Panicker Foundation at Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram, through a video message.

The event commemorates 80 years of Kerala’s organised library movement, inspired by the vision of P. N. Panicker, hailed as the pioneer of India’s library and literacy movement. In his message, the Vice-President praised the Foundation for its sustained efforts to promote reading culture, digital literacy, and community empowerment through knowledge sharing. He said the Foundation’s motto, “Vayichu Valaruka” (Read and Grow), continues to guide society toward enlightenment and inclusion. Describing libraries as “temples of learning”, Radhakrishnan said they nurture critical thinking and empower individuals and communities. He also drew parallels between India’s ancient spiritual and intellectual traditions and the modern pursuit of knowledge, recalling how Adi Shankaracharya travelled across the country to awaken spiritual awareness and unify diverse schools of thought. Reflecting on India’s civilizational ethos, he noted that the nation’s enduring tradition of learning, from the Epics to modern libraries — continues to inspire its pursuit of wisdom and social progress.

In the context of the digital age, the Vice-President underscored the importance of libraries as credible knowledge hubs that help people access authentic information and counter misinformation. “While technology offers easy access to information, libraries cultivate depth, reflection, and meaningful dialogue in society,” he said. Concluding his message, he urged for the strengthening of public and community library networks across the nation, describing libraries as dynamic spaces of “learning, inclusion, and innovation” that empower people through the power of knowledge. The two-day International Conference on “Libraries Empowering Communities – Global Perspectives” (November 2–3, 2025) brings together experts, policymakers, library professionals, academicians, and digital innovators to discuss the evolving role of libraries in a knowledge-driven society. The conference also celebrates Kerala’s eight-decade-long library movement and explores strategies to enhance community participation, digital access, and sustainable knowledge ecosystems.