1st ‘book langar’ success, lent out more than 4L books: Edu dept

Education department’s very first library langar got massive response from students and parents, as more than four lakh books were distributed to the students. Thousands of teachers, heads and principals had participated to make the event a success, said sources. To inculcate reading in students, the government schools across Ludhiana organised a ‘library langar’ on its premises, where parents, along with students, came in hordes to pick books. According to information, 1,64,627 students from classes VI to XII had visited the and out of them 1,32,665 students received the book. Lovely, a teacher at Basti Jodhewal School, said, “Total books in the school library were 1,660, of which 1,484 were distributed. Around 90% books were taken by the students. It was really a successful event.” Principal Rajesh Kumar appreciated the initiative of the department and said such academic fests would inculcate academic values among students. Principal Baldev Singh of Smart School Sarabha said, “More than 90% books in our library were taken by the students today. GSSS Karamsar principal Gurmeet Kaur Chhina said she went to the neighbouring village of Khattra to distribute books among students there. Palwinder Kaur, media incharge of Mehdoodan School, too, said she personally had gone to the neighbouring villages of Doraha to distribute books among students. Government Middle School Gosal incharge Navjot Sharma released a poem appreciating government schools on the occasion. District education officer, secondary, Lakhvir Singh Samra said through this initiative they aim to reach out to as many students as possible to promote reading. Besides, he said the initiative holds more importance now as students are at home due to the pandemic and have time to read. “Books will help them in engaging themselves productively without exposure to screens.” DEO, elementary, Jasvinder Kaur said a range of books on different subjects was put on display for not only students, but also for parents. “The event saw an overwhelming response from local residents too, as parents visited with their neighbours and other family members to pick a book.” Deputy DEO, secondary, Charanjeet Singh said, “We have received a great response and now this activity will be held on regular basis and over 80.59% of students have received books.” District nodal officer (media)-cum-principal Davinder Singh Chhina said as students have enthusiastically participated in the event, now they will also be encouraged to write reviews on the books they picked.