Gurvinder.SinghThe M S Randhawa Library, which has occupied pride of place at Punjab Agricultural University for decades, is undergoing a major makeover under a Rs 12 crore renovation project. The library will soon step into its new avatar as a modern, technology-enabled learning and research hub.The large-scale renovation, being undertaken with financial assistance from the Punjab govt and Punjab Mandi Board, is expected to be completed in about three to four months. Not only will the library look pleasing after the upgrade, it will also offer improved infrastructure and enhanced seating capacity for students, faculty members and researchers.The renovation work includes replacement of old furniture, installation of modern air-conditioning systems, upgraded lighting, double-glazed glasspanels for improved energy efficiency and insulation, construction of an elevator, renovation of washrooms and more.University authorities said one of the key additions is the installation of an elevator, which is expected to make the upper floors more accessible.Another major feature of the upgraded library is the digitisation of the book issue and return system, enabling faster and more efficient circulation of books and reducing manual processes.The renovation will also substantially increase the library’s seating capacity. After the upgrade, the library will be able to accommodate 1,000 users, up from its present capacity of around 450 readers. This will greatly help the university address growing academic needs. The library houses about 4.25 lakh books, making it a rich repository of knowledge and research.PAU vice-chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal said M S Randhawa Library has served generations of students, scientists and researchers. He himself usedto study at the library as a university student. “Through this comprehensive renovation, we are upgrading it with modern facilities, improved accessibility and digital services while preserving its academic significance. The enhanced infrastructure will provide a far better learning environment and encourage greater use of the library by students and researchers,” he said.Box: WHERE AGRICULTURE MEETS ART AND HISTORYInception: The Mohinder Singh Randhawa Library at PAU began in 1959 with just 200 books at the College of Agriculture. The foundation stone of the present building was laid in February 1969, and the library moved into the new building in 1972A knowledge hub: The library has played a crucial role in supporting agricultural education, research and extension work in PunjabArt depicting human progress: Inside the library, artwork and displays trace the evolution of human civilisation and agriculture — from early man and the African ape man to the Green Revolution, reflecting the close link between human development and farmingIconic sculpture outside: The black sculpture in front of the library, created by artist and sculptor Shiv Singh, is widely regarded as an informal symbol of PAU. The artist described its broad forms as representing the pipal and banyan trees, with a human figure looking towards themArtistic campus: PAU’s cultural landscape also includes works by renowned artists such as Nek Chand, Satish Gujral, Paramjit Singh, B K Roy and Dev, reflecting the university’s longstanding effort to bring together agriculture, art and cultureRole in Punjab’s agriculture: From preserving agricultural knowledge to supporting generations of scientists and students, the library has been an important intellectual centre for the university that played a key role in transforming Punjab’s agriculture and contributing to the Green Revolution.
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