With all the controversy on the Aryan Khan drug issue, this may not be the right time to ask. But we do need an update from the Maharashtra government on two counts about libraries. Where are the Mantralaya library books dumped and when and if the library is going to be reopened. I loved the library, it was so useful, so easy to use, access , on the ground floor of Mantralaya, not far from the press room. I often hear arguments in favour of digitisation. That is o.k. but experts tell me not all books , especially old ones, can be digitised easily.
Where are the books of the Central library dumped ? The library is there only on paper. It used to be run by the Asiatic library more than twenty years ago
Secondly, where are the books of the Central library dumped ? The library is there only on paper.It used to be run by the Asiatic library more than twenty years ago and I used to write in Times of India about it on many occasions, there used to be many debates around it. I had a report of the expert committee on bifurcation etc. I wish I had retained those papers.The books used to be stored in the Town hall, the same as books of Asiatic. Then there was bifurcation and the whole rot started.
It is mandatory under the law to present two copies of every published book in India to the central library
Imagine what a nice cultural impact a Central library building would have had had it come up in place of the Kohinoor mill at Dadar or any other central area. We would have books published in all languages from all over India. Under one roof. It is mandatory under the law to present two copies of every published book in India to the central library. So people from all linguistic groups from Mumbai but also many parts of Maharashtra and elsewhere would have been drawn to the library . There could be such a healthy mix, discussion. All essential for a democratic society.