S R Ranganathan, a father figure for library science or for modern day world Information Science is an inspiration for all. A person who took up a job of revamping libraries in a time when the India's independence struggle was on high. I mean can you imagine a time when the Gandhis, the Bhagat Singhs were the face of Indian people and nobody gave a damn about the libraries. Ranganathan, as a mathematics professor could also have a silent life of being a mathematics professor at the Madras University or he could have also joined the India's freedom struggle like many youths of his age, but he chose something he cared about which India will need after its freedom to make it a better country, an of course that too with no expectation. He dedicated his life to something that has no ground existence that time. But his dedication leads to development of profession which people didn't thought of. A profession which is noble, which is challenging, and of course which give you satisfaction.
But today we the library professionals think our profession as very tough, we link societies view point to our profession, we complain about limited resources, we complain about less respect to our profession and many more, in a time when information is thought of to be the fourth primery need of human survival like Roti, Kapda or Makan. But do you really think if Ranganthan has have thought all these bulshits that time, we would have existed now. Obviously there would have been no existence of us, the library profession. Do you think a person who did so much for the society, for the country and for humanity, will he be happy if we celebrate his birthday by talking only about his works but not learn anything from his life.
So let's celebrate this librarians day in a different way and learn from our Father's life which actually tells us to lead a happy life not only in our profession but also in our day to day life.
- Take up challenges: Always ready to take challenge, Don't run way from it. Face it, Fight wth it and Conquer it, like Ranganathan did.
Do Duty without expectation: Don't always expect some praise from others for every little work you do. Ranganathan didn't expected anything for his duties, but he is followed now all over the world, why? Because, he was dedicated.
Think of the Society: Always think of the society, what society needs is your need and you are the one who can fulfill it. A small work for the society makes a big impact.
Don't complain, you yourself is the best resource: Don't complain about limited resources you have. Ranganathan didn't had any support, but he did because he knew he can. So next time you make excuse think of Ranganathan. You have the knowledge,you have the internet. Start serving information for all.
Communicate with people, understand others feeling: Ranganathan sai,"If you want to be a good reference librarian, you must learn to overcome not only yourshyness but also the shyness of others." Take this line in mind ALWAYS!!
- Follow his five laws: The five laws are the best guideline for serving information, don't just remember it, but implement it in day do day life. That would be best respect for him.
So, let's celebrate this librarians day in a different way, its not only a birthday but a day to follow a saint's legacy, and his learning.
