Tributes to Ayyanki Venkata Ramanaiah on 136th Birth Anniversary

Ayyanki Venkata Ramanaiah, a Padma Shri awardee and trailblazer of India’s library movement, was remembered on his 136th birth anniversary during a commemorative event held at Tagore Library on Bandar Road. His grandson, Ayyanki Murali Krishna, described him as a visionary who championed the idea that “Public libraries are temples of knowledge.” The event, organised by librarian Ramadevi, highlighted Ramanaiah’s lifelong dedication to establishing libraries as tools to uplift society.

Libraries as Engines of Social Change

Speakers at the event underscored Ramanaiah’s belief in libraries as powerful instruments to combat illiteracy, ignorance, and regressive social attitudes. Kalimishri, editor of Navamalletheega, noted that Ramanaiah’s efforts laid the foundation for a mass library movement that continues to benefit communities. His work was celebrated through the release of Manishi Kosam, a compilation of essays and poems authored by Padala Neela Ramesh Gautam.

Legacy of Learning

Ramadevi highlighted how the libraries established through Ramanaiah’s vision remain vital hubs for reading, learning, and career development, particularly for young people. The event also featured the distribution of sweets to students and a felicitation ceremony for Gautam, recognising his contributions to literature.

Ramanaiah’s enduring legacy as a pioneer of public libraries serves as a reminder of the transformative power of knowledge in shaping society.

Source: The Hindu