The Odisha Society of the Americas(OSA) funded model public library, named as “Odisha Public e-Library” was opened to Berhampur public yesterday by Odia cinestar turned MP Honorable Sri Sidhanta Mohapatra in presence of Local MLA Dr Ramesh Chaupatnaik, Mayor Smt. K. Madhavi, Dy Mayor Smt. Jyotshna Nayak, Chairman, BDA, Sri Sri Subash Chandra Maharana, and new BMC Commissioner Sri Chakravarti Singh Rathore, IAS.
A public e-Library, first of its kind in Odisha, is likely to serve the local community and students for their thirst for knowledge and education. Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner mentioned about OSA’s partnership with BMC. MLA Dr Ramesh Chaupatnaik expressed his extreme happiness that due to OSA’s effort this library could come up.
MP Sidhant Mohapatra told that his childhood dream is now fulfilled. He is ready to help as and when necessary, even financially. OSA OPLI(OSA Public Library Initiative) local Member Dr. Subudhi and Mr. Surya Padhi and OSA BOG Member Mrs Nalini Patnaik, President OSA Southern Chapter was present on this occasion. OSA is in process of signing a MOU with BMC to guide on smooth functioning of the library.
The library is now conveniently located at “Berhampur Town Hall”, a central location accessible from Women’s College, Khallikote University, MKCG Medical College & Berhampur University and will help the local students and the community immensely.
This model urban public library will function as a Resource Center, Information House, Community Center for the general public around Berhampur, build a stronger community, and establish an exemplary socio-economic educational infrastructure model as well as bring Information and Communication Technology(ICT) as a service at grass root level. It will provide necessary infrastructure and service to conduct various activities/programs in general public’s interest towards Literacy, Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship, Health and wellness, e-Government, Civic engagement, e-Commerce, and Social inclusion. The library will provide Broadband Internet Room, Community Center, Reading Room for adults, women, children and integrate civil society, friends-of-library to make the library more community driven.
Prasanta Patnaik