T’puram: A special library to preserve and make available for reading and research books received as gifts and those purchased over the years has been opened at Lok Bhavan. Named ‘Thunchan Smrithi’ in memory of Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, the library will function in the new building adjacent to the main entrance of Lok Bhavan.The library has more than 10,000 books received as gifts at various times and those purchased. The main collection includes more than 4,000 Malayalam books and around 6,000 English books. It also has books in various Indian languages and valuable works covering different fields, including literature, history, culture, philosophy and science.The books, which had been kept at different locations, have now been arranged systematically in the manner of a conventional library so that they can be used. The objective is not merely to preserve the books as a collection but to make them available for reading, study and research. Research scholars, teachers, writers, students and other readers will be able to use the library.Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said the objective was to develop the library as a cultural space reflecting Kerala’s cultural heritage and diversity.The aim is also to develop ‘Thunchan Smrithi’ as a knowledge centre providing the books and information required by those studying Kerala’s history, literature, culture and social life. By bringing together at one place the books received by Lok Bhavan on various occasions, the initiative has created an extensive knowledge and cultural collection.Director Adoor Gopalakrishnan said it was particularly gratifying that the name of Ezhuthachan, widely regarded as the father of Malayalam language and literature, had been given to the library.Poet V Madhusoodanan Nair said ‘Thunchan Smrithi’ should develop into a knowledge centre providing the information and books required by researchers and students studying Kerala.Writer George Onakkoor said the governor’s approach of giving importance to the development and promotion of the regional language and his sincere discharge of his responsibilities and duties were the main reasons behind the initiative.Rosemary, P Vijayakrishnan, A M Unnikrishnan and R Pradeep, among other prominent personalities from the social and cultural spheres, attended the function.
