Highlights from the Indira Gandhi Memorial Library’s latest event, student awards, and the big reveal of FLARE 2027.
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Library at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) was buzzing with inspiration and academic energy as the campus community gathered to celebrate the 134th National Librarians’ Day.
Beyond celebrating the timeless value of reading and research, the event marked a huge milestone for the university—acting as the official curtain-raiser for a major international conference set for 2027!
Here is a quick look at the major highlights from the celebration:
💡 Honoring a Legacy of Learning
The event kicked off with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing the light of knowledge and continuous learning.
In his welcome address, Dr. O. Sivasankar Prasad (University Librarian I/c) paid tribute to Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, the Father of Library Science in India. He reminded everyone of the pivotal role libraries play in fostering education, supporting cutting-edge research, and keeping knowledge accessible to all.
🚀 Looking Ahead: FLARE 2027 Unveiled
The biggest highlight of the day was the official curtain-raiser for the 72nd Indian Library Association (ILA) International Conference—dubbed FLARE 2027 (Future Libraries: Advancing Research and Excellence).
Scheduled for January 7–9, 2027, this upcoming conference aims to bring together librarians, researchers, and information professionals worldwide. During the event, the official FLARE 2027 website, brochures, and posters were launched, signaling UoH’s commitment to driving innovation and global collaboration in library science.
🏆 Celebrating the Next Generation of Scholars
Libraries thrive because of their readers! To promote a strong reading culture, the university presented the Best Library Users Awards to students who demonstrated outstanding use of the library’s vast physical and digital resources.
“Libraries must continuously adapt to technological advancements while retaining their fundamental role as centers of knowledge, intellectual engagement, and academic excellence.”
— Prof. J. Anuradha, Vice-Chancellor (I/c) and Chief Guest
🌟 Adaptability in the Digital Age
Chief Guest Prof. J. Anuradha and Guest of Honour Dr. B. Srinivas (Finance Officer) emphasized that while digital technology is changing how we access information, the core mission of the library remains unchanged. Today’s modern librarians do far more than manage books—they curate knowledge and guide researchers through an increasingly digital world.
The event wrapped up with a warm vote of thanks to all the dignitaries, faculty, staff, and students who made the day a success.
Key Takeaway
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Library continues to prove that it isn’t just a place to store books—it’s a dynamic hub for lifelong learning, research, and community engagement.
What’s your favorite memory or go-to spot in your campus library? Let us know in the comments below!
