The Indira Gandhi Memorial Library, University of Hyderabad, organised a grand celebration of the 134th National Librarians’ Day with great enthusiasm and participation from the university community. The programme also featured the curtain raiser for the 72nd Indian Library Association (ILA) International Conference on Future Libraries: Advancing Research and Excellence (FLARE) 2027, scheduled to be held from 7–9 January 2027. The event marked an important milestone in promoting the evolving role of libraries and librarians in the academic and research ecosystem.
The programme commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolising the pursuit of knowledge and the dissemination of learning. Prof. J. Anuradha, Vice-Chancellor (I/c), University of Hyderabad, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Dr. B. Srinivas, Finance Officer, attended as the Guest of Honour. Dr. O. Sivasankar Prasad, University Librarian (I/c), convened the programme.
In his welcome address, Dr. O. Sivasankar Prasad recollected the significant contributions of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, widely regarded as the Father of Library Science in India, and highlighted the importance of National Librarians’ Day in recognising the vital role played by librarians in promoting education, research and the dissemination of knowledge.
A major highlight of the event was the curtain raiser for the 72nd ILA International Conference – FLARE 2027. On the occasion, the official website, brochures and posters of FLARE 2027 were launched, formally initiating the promotional activities for the international conference. The conference is expected to provide a platform for librarians, information professionals, academicians, researchers and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, share innovations and deliberate on emerging trends in the library and information science profession.
The launch of FLARE 2027 reflected the University of Hyderabad’s commitment to strengthening professional collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation in the field of librarianship.
The celebration also recognised and appreciated students for their active and exemplary utilisation of library resources. As part of the programme, the Best Library Users Awards were presented to students who demonstrated outstanding use of the university library and its resources. The awards aimed to encourage students to make greater use of library facilities and foster a strong culture of reading, learning and research.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. J. Anuradha, Vice-Chancellor (I/c), highlighted the changing role of libraries in the digital age and emphasised the importance of librarians in supporting teaching, learning and research. She underscored the need for libraries to continuously adapt to technological advancements while retaining their fundamental role as centres of knowledge, intellectual engagement and academic excellence.
The celebration concluded with an expression of gratitude to the dignitaries, faculty members, scholars, students and library staff for their active participation and contribution to the success of the programme.
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Library, University of Hyderabad, remains committed to providing quality information resources and innovative library services while fostering a vibrant culture of reading, research and lifelong learning.