Mangaluru: St Agnes College, Mangaluru on 14 August 2019 organised a one day state level programme ‘Demonstration on SWAYAM / NPTEL, an online course’. Mr. Walter Nandalike founder and managing director of daijiworld media inaugurated the event by clicking the mouse button showing the glimpse of 10 years National Librarians day celebration at St Agnes College. Speaking on the importance of librarians’ day he also shared his childhood memories on reading books. “It is at the age of 11 I read the Kannada book by Saisuthe from where my reading habit begun. And so, I was able to publish hundred short stories and two novels by the time I completed my degree. This experience gave me the confidence to launch Daijiworld media in 2001. Now everything is controlled by technology. Because of mobiles and computer, people have forgotten the way to the library. We need to find out the ways to reach there. Libraries always function as a knowledge center of an institution or a region.” he said.

Dr Mallikarjun Angadi, Chief Librarian of NITK, Surathkal in his keynote briefed about Padmashree DR Siyali Ramamrita Ranganathan (S.R.R) who is widely known as Father of Library Science, documentation and information science in India and highlighted his tremendous contribution to the field of Library Science. “It is not about holding information instead it is all about how much accessibility you have to gain information” he added.

Sr. Dr. Jeswina A.C College principal presided over the programme. She spoke on SWAYAM/NPTEL online course which is offered by Government of India. Also spoke on the importance of reading and gave guidelines to make use of resources, opportunities and platforms.

Mr Gopal M Ghokhale, Associate Professor of Statistics in Poorna Prajna College Udupi conducted a technical session on SWAYAM/NPTEL. He spoke on the three major objectives of SWAYAM. They are access, equity and quality. The courses offered are Science, Engineering, Arts and many more. It is a freely available online course to gain knowledge. SWAYAM was launched by Ex president of India Pranab Mukherjee.

A practical demonstration on online registration and the benefits of the course was also shared during the session.

Dr Vishala B.K Chief Librarian of St Agnes College welcomed the gathering and introduced the guests. Sr. Carmel Rita A.C., Administrator was also present. Mr Rodney, faculty of Commerce proposed the vote of thanks. Mrs Preema faculty of Business Administration compered the programme.