Amit Shah inaugurates Jayaprakash Narayan Library in Delhi, urges youth to embrace reading culture

New Delhi, India Jul 12, 2026 ALN: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday inaugurated the Jayaprakash Narayan Library in New Delhi, describing it as a new centre of knowledge and intellectual discourse for the youth and stressing that libraries play a vital role in shaping the future of a nation. The establishment of this library is part of a broader initiative to enhance literacy and foster a culture of reading among the younger generation, which is crucial for the socio-economic development of the country.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by notable figures including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Chairman Keshav Chandra, and several other dignitaries. Their presence at the event highlighted the significance of the library as a community resource that can serve as a catalyst for educational advancement and personal growth among the youth.

Addressing the gathering, HM Shah stated that the true measure of a nation’s future lies not in its markets or industries but in the number of young people studying in its libraries. This statement underscores a growing recognition that education and intellectual development are foundational to national progress. In an age where technology and information are rapidly evolving, the role of libraries as repositories of knowledge becomes increasingly important. Shah articulated that knowledge and wisdom form the foundation of nation-building, and libraries are the institutions best equipped to nurture them.

In his address, the Home Minister made a heartfelt appeal to young people to cultivate the habit of reading. He emphasized that associating with libraries brings about a profound transformation in one’s personality. Shah shared his own experience, recalling how growing up in a small town with a well-stocked library shaped his intellectual journey and eventually led him to study the Vedas and Upanishads. This personal anecdote serves to illustrate the transformative power of reading and the role libraries play in fostering intellectual curiosity and personal development.

HM Shah emphasized that while people are often advised to think before speaking, they must first read before they can think meaningfully. He remarked, “Such values can be cultivated only through libraries,” urging the youth to connect with libraries and develop a lifelong reading habit. The implication here is clear: reading is not merely an academic exercise but rather a fundamental skill that enhances critical thinking and decision-making abilities. He added that once reading becomes a habit, the ability to distinguish right from wrong develops naturally, which is essential for responsible citizenship.

Highlighting a successful initiative in his parliamentary constituency of Gandhinagar, HM Shah noted that nearly every village has been provided with a library containing 3,000 to 4,000 books, all connected to a central library with more than 1.25 lakh books. This initiative reflects a commitment to democratizing access to knowledge and ensuring that even remote areas are not left behind in the pursuit of education. Furthermore, four mobile library vans have been deployed to ensure that requested books are delivered to villages every week, thereby promoting a culture of reading in rural areas. He mentioned that efforts have been made to link these libraries with schools, thereby creating a seamless educational ecosystem.

The Home Minister urged the Delhi government to integrate libraries across the city into a unified network and connect them with schools to create a richer and more accessible library ecosystem. This call for collaboration highlights the need for a coordinated approach to educational resources, ensuring that libraries are not seen in isolation but as part of a broader educational framework that includes schools, colleges, and community organizations. He also encouraged the management of the Jayaprakash Narayan Library to actively engage with schools in the surrounding Assembly constituencies and motivate students to make regular use of the facility, thereby fostering a culture of learning and inquiry.

Describing libraries as gateways to the vast ocean of knowledge, HM Shah said they inspire individuals to discover ideas that refine character, strengthen society, and contribute to a prosperous, self-reliant, and educated nation. This metaphor of libraries as gateways emphasizes their role in providing access to diverse ideas and perspectives, which is essential in a multicultural society like India. He stressed that understanding India’s culture, civilizational values, and struggles requires reading the works of renowned poet Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’, and said libraries provide the ideal platform for such learning. This highlights the importance of cultural literacy in fostering national identity and unity.

The newly inaugurated Jayaprakash Narayan Library houses more than 32,000 books and offers dedicated facilities for researchers, a modern auditorium, a children’s section, a research centre, and an e-library with access to over one crore digital books. The inclusion of modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, an RFID-based book management system, and the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) reflects a commitment to creating a user-friendly environment that caters to the needs of contemporary readers. The library will also be integrated with the National Digital Library of India, further enhancing its resources and accessibility.

HM Shah stated that the availability of one crore free e-books gives young readers an opportunity to study subjects of their interest in depth instead of relying on hearsay. This digital resource is particularly significant in the context of the increasing reliance on digital technology for education and information. He encouraged students to explore the works of eminent personalities across different disciplines to broaden their knowledge, reinforcing the idea that education is a lifelong journey that extends beyond formal schooling.

Paying tribute to Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, after whom the library is named, HM Shah described him as a visionary thinker and revolutionary who played a pivotal role in India’s democratic journey. This acknowledgment of JP’s legacy serves to inspire the current generation to engage with the ideals of democracy, social justice, and civic responsibility. He recalled JP’s contribution to the Quit India Movement, his decision to stay away from government after Independence, his commitment to socialism and Sarvodaya, and his efforts in persuading hundreds of dacoits in the Chambal region to surrender, illustrating the multifaceted nature of JP’s contributions to Indian society.

The Home Minister also highlighted Jayaprakash Narayan’s leadership during the Emergency, saying he courageously opposed authoritarian rule and gave the historic call for “Sampoorna Kranti” from Bihar’s Gandhi Maidan. This historical reference serves to remind the audience of the importance of standing up for democratic values and civil liberties, especially in times of crisis. He noted that when opposition leaders were jailed and the press was censored, Jayaprakash Narayan emerged as a symbol of hope for the nation. The movement, he said, eventually led to the defeat of the then Prime Minister from Rae Bareli in the 1977 general election and the formation of India’s first non-Congress government at the Centre, marking a significant turning point in Indian politics.

Concluding his address, HM Shah urged the youth of Delhi to make full use of the Jayaprakash Narayan Library, enrich themselves through reading, and contribute towards building a self-reliant and developed India by 2047. This call to action not only emphasizes the importance of personal development through reading but also aligns with the broader national vision of progress and self-reliance. The establishment of the library is thus not merely an infrastructural development but a strategic initiative aimed at fostering a knowledgeable and empowered citizenry, capable of contributing to the nation’s growth and development in the years to come.