The Newz Radar
MANDI: In a significant development for bibliophiles and residents alike, the Mandi Municipal Corporation in Himachal Pradesh has unveiled “Mandav Book Cafe” on the ground floor of the historic Clock Tower structure.
The inauguration ceremony, graced by Mayor Virender Bhatt and Deputy Mayor Madhuri Kapoor, marked a pivotal moment for the city’s cultural landscape.
Municipal Commissioner HS Rana joined the dignitaries in celebrating the launch, symbolising the collective commitment to fostering intellectual enrichment within the community. Mayor Bhatt underscored the library’s genesis, attributing its establishment to the plea of city’s residents, particularly the elderly, for a sanctuary of knowledge and solace.
The library has seating capacity for 17 persons, complemented by standing room for eight. Bhatt reminisced about a bygone era when a similar institution graced the locale, now rejuvenated to serve the populace anew. Emphasising the municipality’s forward-looking vision, Bhatt disclosed plans for a state-of-the-art digital library at Town Hall, poised to democratise access to information in the digital age.
The ceremony honoured literary luminary Krishna Kumar Nutan, aged 96, whose prolific literary oeuvre has left an indelible mark on Mandi’s cultural tapestry. Nutan, humbled by the recognition, expressed profound gratitude for the fruition of a long-cherished dream. Echoing sentiments of communal jubilation, local residents hailed the initiative as a beacon of enlightenment, offering respite to the elderly and fostering a culture of erudition among the youth. They lauded the library’s potential to liberate future generations from the confines of digital distractions, heralding a renaissance of intellectual curiosity and growth.
Treat for literary buffs as new library ‘Mandav Book Café’ opens in Mandi’s iconic Landmark Clock Tower
