New chapter of learning begins in Baran village with library opening

A new Library and Panchayat Ghar was inaugurated in the village of Baran, marking a significant step toward community development and educational enrichment. Constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 6 lakh, the facility was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the village panchayat and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

The inauguration ceremony was graced by MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal as the chief guest, with Aam Aadmi Party’s Halqa in-charge Harnoor Singh Harji Mann and Punjabi Virsa Trust president Prof Jaswant Singh Gandam serving as guests of honour.

Addressing the gathering, MP Chabbewal emphasised that education and health remain top priorities for the Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He described books as “enduring and steadfast friends” and announced that efforts are underway to revive the Guru Nanak Library in Phagwara. He also assured full financial support for the newly established village library.

Harji Mann, while speaking at the event, acknowledged the deteriorating condition of the Phagwara-Palahi and Phagwara-Banga roads and assured the public that repair work would commence soon.

Prof Jaswant Singh Gandam, in his address, underlined the cultural and intellectual value of libraries, quoting Roman philosopher Cicero: “To add a library to a house is to give that house a soul.” He stressed the importance of cultivating a reading culture and scientific temper, noting that in Sikhism, the word (shabad) is revered as Guru and thus divine.

Several speakers at the event highlighted the need to instil reading habits among students from the primary level. Prominent Punjabi writers and poets including Gurmit Palahi, Surjit Jaj, Bhupinder Kaur and others contributed books to the new library and shared their thoughts on the role of literature in society.

The event was hosted by former Sarpanch Charanjit Singh Chana, while current Sarpanch Pawandeep Kaur Dhillon extended a vote of thanks. Other panchayat members present included Shaminder Singh, Nirmal Kumar, Manjit Singh Thanedar, Harjinder Kumari, Manjit Singh, Sudesh Rani and Paramjit Kaur.

A special moment of the ceremony was the felicitation of UK-based NRI Piara Singh, who was honoured for his generous contribution of Rs 2.5 lakh towards the project. The event concluded with a warm acknowledgment of the contributions made by NRIs and villagers alike, reinforcing the spirit of collective progress and community empowerment.