Subhashit Samucchay

This text is a collection of quotes and sayings, primarily from prominent Indian figures, highlighting the immense importance and multifaceted value of libraries and reading. The book, "Subhashit Samucchay" (Collection of Wise Sayings), compiled by Vadodara Rajya Pustakalay Parishad Mandal and published by Pustakalay Sahayak Sahakari Mandal in March 1934, emphasizes how libraries are crucial for individual and societal progress.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and ideas presented:

The Transformative Power of Libraries and Books:

• Knowledge and Enlightenment: Libraries are consistently portrayed as temples of knowledge and Saraswati (the goddess of learning). They are seen as essential for dispelling ignorance, promoting intellectual growth, and providing access to vast stores of information and wisdom from across time and cultures.
• Personal Development and Character Building: Reading good books is emphasized as a means to develop character, refine tastes, gain wisdom, and achieve self-improvement. They offer solace, guidance, and companionship, acting as mentors and friends.
• Societal Progress and Welfare: Libraries are viewed as crucial for the overall progress and welfare of society. They are instrumental in educating the masses, fostering a spirit of inquiry, and bridging the gap between different sections of society. They are seen as a cornerstone of a democratic society and a key to national advancement.
• Lifelong Learning: Libraries are not just for students; they are institutions for lifelong learning, extending education beyond formal schooling and catering to all ages and walks of life.
• Cultural Preservation and Transmission: Books and libraries are seen as preservers of culture, history, and the collective memory of humanity. They connect the past, present, and future.

The Role of the Librarian:

• The librarian is highlighted as the soul of the library, more than just a custodian. They are expected to be knowledgeable, dedicated, and helpful, acting as a guide and friend to the patrons, fostering a spiritual connection between authors and the public.

Key Figures and Their Perspectives:

The collection features insights from various notable individuals, including:

• Mahatma Gandhi: Emphasizes how reading books can provide solace in isolation and contribute to inner reflection.
• Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad: Stresses the importance of a librarian's courtesy and humility towards every reader for the success of a library.
• Mahatma Gandhi: Values books so much that he would choose spending more time in jail with books over not being able to read.
• Right Hon. Srinivasa Shastri: Highlights the role of libraries in instilling hope in a discouraged patriot and their significant contribution to national progress.
• Babu Kshitish Mohan Sen: Compares the pursuit of knowledge to farming, where one should explore various subjects and delve deep into specific areas.
• Kaka Kalelkar: Points out that a well-curated collection and a good librarian can elevate a society quickly.
• Mahatma Gandhi: Advocates for libraries as vital for self-reliance and self-respect, which are the true human strengths.
• Sir Manubhai: Compares libraries to sacred temples of knowledge where poets and great thinkers are reborn through their works.
• Mahabahi H. Kantawala: Believes libraries will make individuals more generous, knowledgeable, content, and ultimately happier.
• Ramnarayan V. Pathak: Suggests that good reading is preferable to bad reading, just as unboiled water might be better than poisonous water.
• Deshalji Parmar: Sees books as prophetic and a source of hidden secrets, acting as historians and astrologers of a nation's destiny.
• Andrew Carnegie: Emphasizes that public education through libraries is a crucial duty of the state, with wise spending being beneficial for the nation.
• Devd. J. Sen: Calls free libraries "secular temples" and "temples of wisdom" that offer invaluable education without cost.
• J.C. Dana: Highlights libraries as democratic institutions offering free access to books and a way to connect with great minds.
• Macaulay: Prefers poverty with the love of reading over being a king without it.
• Lord Curzon: Sees libraries as tools for national progress, enabling individuals to gain knowledge and connect with the world.
• Principal Grant Batson (Birmingham University): States that while we teach people to read printed materials, libraries can teach them how to read meaningfully.

Overall Message:

The core message of "Subhashit Samucchay" is a passionate advocacy for libraries. It posits that libraries are not mere repositories of books but vital centers for learning, personal growth, and societal advancement. They are essential for a well-informed and enlightened populace, playing a critical role in dispelling ignorance and fostering progress in all spheres of life. The text underscores that access to knowledge through libraries is a right and a necessity for every individual and for the nation's well-being.