My journey into Librarianship began the first time I entered my college's library in Pandhurna where I grew up. I was about 17 years old when I was completing my B.Sc in PCB. We were introduced to big libraries for the very first time in our college as I studied in a government school which did not have the facility of libraries back then. The first time I entered my college library I was beyond excited! The books' scent, fresh pages, and the stories that each book held were all wonderful to me. Because I adored reading, this was like a dream come true! I was struck by the room's comfort and the variety of books kept on the shelves. I went there frequently from then on and developed a love for reading and libraries! But what inspired me the most to become a Librarian was our Librarian Professor Mr. Manoj Patil, he was indeed a great teacher and librarian, He had immense knowledge about each book kept in our library, and he always motivated us to read books. Once in a conversation with him, I asked him - Why did you choose to be a Librarian, rather than a subject teacher? He smiled and replied - "I love being a Librarian because I have the ability to offer knowledge from all subjects and not just one." His response changed the way I perceived libraries; rather than thinking of them as relaxing places to read, I realized the depth of information they carry.
After I finished my BSC degree, I decided to pursue a career as a Librarian, I then began taking courses to acquire my degree in Library Science (B.Lib). After completing of B.Lib, I was hired as a Librarian at Globus Engineering College, Bhopal in the year 2006, where I worked for 4 years. It was there that I discovered that I loved being a “detective for information." While I was working I also completed my degree in M.lib and did a special Library automation course in CRISP, Bhopal to gain knowledge about e-libraries.
But, then came a time in my life when I had to get settled and start my own family. In the year 2010, I got married and shifted to Ahmednagar. After marriage, there was a halt to my career because of the workload at home, but I always missed books and my job. I was very lucky that my family supported me and wanted me to go back to work, but after the birth of my daughter, I couldn't be regular at work. Once she grew up I was again ready to go back to my happy place (The library). I then got a job in Sai Angel International School, Ahmednagar, and worked there for 3 years. In the year 2020 corona hit the country and we were all stuck at our homes. It's then I witnessed the evolution of technology and how it has changed the face of librarianship. The development of Kindles, Tablets, and Smartphones has changed the way communities receive reading content. People have somehow lost touch with books and have switched to technology. Perhaps, it was a great way to provide education at the time of the pandemic. To cope up with the latest technologies I gained more knowledge about e-books and e-libraries. And, Finally, in the year 2022, I again started working as a Librarian at Icon Public School, Ahmednagar, where I am currently placed now. Today's librarians are also teaching students how to use modern technology. This is crucial in order to reduce digital inequality and ensure that all citizens have access to relevant information and resources. A lot has changed in libraries since I was a 17-year-old little girl entering my college library, for the very first time. But, one thing that has not changed and that will always exist is that "A book is man's best friend". No technology can compare to the silence and comfort of studying in a library. Because deep down we all love to read books in the coziness of a calm and quiet library filled with books that contain the knowledge of the whole world.
But, whether they are physical libraries or electronic ones, they are all designed to provide knowledge.
I'm incredibly proud to be a librarian since I can educate any group of students or anyone regardless of the format! At last, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude towards the founder of Icon Public School, Mr. Sharad Mutha, our Directors, Col. RC Rana and Mrs. Aradhana Rana, and our Principal Dipika Nagarwala, for providing me with the job opportunity in their esteemed institution. Also, I am extremely thankful to Romal Surana Ma'am, Founder, and Director of the Nanhaa Gyan Foundation for presenting me with The Healing Light award. It's a great honor to achieve such a prestigious award from your Foundation. It has enhanced my self-confidence and I assure you that I will keep working in the same way & make you proud in the near future.
If you wish to contribute or get associated with Nanhaa Gyan Foundation for any other causes, or activities in the future kindly connect with Rommal Surana, Founder of Nanhaa Gyan Foundation on +917709047790
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