Remembering PN Panicker: A look into the life of the ‘Father of Library Movement’
Puthuvayil Narayana Panicker is known as the Father of
Library Movement today, as he made certain significant contributions to promote
literacy in the state of Kerala. He gave a major push to the Kerala State
Literacy Mission, which ultimately led to universal literacy in the state.
Panicker helped in the establishment of libraries across the
state which helped the citizens get access to educational material easily. This
venture of his is known for single handily transforming the literacy landscape
in Kerala, making it a universal literate state.
Why Panicker is known as the Father of Library Movement
PN Panicker was born in Jamjamjun in 1901 and he grew up to
become a teacher. A lot of people believe that his influence on society as a
teacher was much greater than many in his time. It is believed that his
profession inspired him to push the importance of literacy among the population
of Kerala.
In the year 1945, Panicker initiated the formation of
Thiruvithaamkoor Granthasala Sangham, commonly known as the Travancore Library
Association. This association included 47 libraries which were spread across
the rural areas in the city. The main aim of setting up these libraries was to
highlight the importance of education and reading in rural areas.
The Travancore Library Association, which later transformed
into Kerala Granthasala Sangham, became a major network which promoted its
impactful slogan- ‘Read and Grow’.
The intricate library network eventually grew and had over
6,000 libraries under the organization. Eventually, it was taken over by the
state government and is now known as the Kerala State Library Council. This is
the reason why P N Panicker is known as the Father of Library Movement in
Kerala.
Kerala Literacy Mission
After the formation of Kerala state in 1956, Panicker’s
library association was taken over by the state government. He held the
position of General Secretary of Sangham for 32 years, till 1977. During this
time, he travelled to different villages and underdeveloped areas of Kerala and
promoted the importance of reading and education.
While he was still in charge of the library association in
the state, Granthasala Sangham was awarded the prestigious ‘Krupsakaya Award’
from UNESCO in 1985.
In 1977, Panicker decided to form the Kerala Association for
Non-Formal Education and Development (KANFED). KANFED led to the beginning of
Kerala Literacy Mission, which promoted the importance of education in rural
areas. This mission was the reason Kerala was able to become the first state in
the country that achieved universal literacy.
PN Panicker passed away on June 19, 1995 and to honour his
legacy, the State government of Kerala announced the day as Vaayanadinam, which
translates to Reading Day. Reading Day is now celebrated not just in Kerala,
but across the nation in schools and educational institutes.
Reading Day is celebrated to honour PN Panicker’s
contributions towards the cause of literacy, education and library movement.
The week starting from June 19 will be celebrated as Reading Week in schools
with a series of educational activities and reading exercises.
Since schools are shut down across the nation due to the
coronavirus pandemic, CBSE has announced that Reading Day 2021 will be
celebrated across schools with online activities to promote the importance of
reading and education.
Source: India Today
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