Tripura University, Agartala – 10th January 2025: The much-anticipated International Conference on Re-imagining the Academic Libraries (ICRAL-2025) officially commenced today, 9th January 2025, at 10:00 AM in the MBB Auditorium, Tripura University. The conference, which will run until 11th January, is jointly organized by the Central Library and the Department of Library and Information Science, Tripura University. The theme for ICRAL-2025 is “Evidence-Based Innovations on the Contents, Technologies, and Services for the Next Generation,” reflecting the evolving landscape of academic libraries in an increasingly digital world.
The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. Ganga Prasad Prasain, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Tripura University, who is also the Chief Patron of ICRAL-2025. Esteemed dignitaries present at the event included the Chief Guest, Prof. Kameswar Nath Singh, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of the University of South Bihar, Bihar, and Guest of Honour, Prof. Jyoti Prakash Tamang, Acting Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University. Prof. Pravakar Rath, Hon’ble Pro-Vice Chancellor of Mizoram University, Mizoram, also graced the occasion as a Guest of Honour.
The event also witnessed the presence of Prof. Bulu Maharana, Professor at Sambalpur University, Odisha, serving as the Conference Director, and Prof. R. K. Mahapatra, Professor and Head of the Department of Library and Information Science, Tripura University, who is the Conference Chairman.
The Organizing Secretary and Convener of the conference, Dr. Champeswar Mishra, Librarian of the Central Library, Tripura University, welcomed the delegates and highlighted the importance of the conference for fostering discussions around the future of academic libraries and set the tone for what promises to be a rich exchange of ideas and insights into the future of academic libraries.
In his address, Prof. R. K. Mahapatra emphasized the significance of the conference in addressing the evolving needs of academic libraries and presented the concept note for the event. Prof. Bulu Maharana introduced the theme and sub-themes of the conference, outlining the agenda for the next three days.
Prof. Pravakar Rath stressed the need to rethink the role of libraries in society, highlighting the importance of adapting to technological changes to better serve library patrons. Prof. Jyoti Prakash Tamang focused on the role of libraries in preserving ethnic and indigenous knowledge, emphasizing the need to document endangered languages and knowledge systems. He also spoke about the critical role of library professionals in orienting academic communities to the latest tools and technologies.
In his speech, Prof. Kameswar Nath Singh underscored the importance of aligning library services with the goals of NEP 2020 and the responsibilities of library professionals in meeting the diverse needs of users in the academic domain.
Prof. Ganga Prasad Prasain, in his presidential address, reflected on the critical role libraries have played in the past, their current importance, and the future responsibilities of library professionals. He encouraged attendees to equip themselves with emerging technologies to better serve library patrons in the digital age.
Dr. Champeswar Mishra, the Organizing Secretary and Convener of the conference, extended vote of thanks.
Following the inaugural speeches, a panel discussion was held on the pressing topic, “Role of Education in Vikshit Bharat @2047.” The session saw the participation of four eminent Vice-Chancellors: Prof. Ganga Prasad Prasain, Prof. Kameswar Nath Singh, Prof. Jyoti Prakash Tamang, and Prof. Ratan Kumar Saha, Vice Chancellor of Techno India University, Agartala. The session was moderated by Prof. Ganga Prasad Prasain and involved deliberations on the future of education and its role in the development of a progressive India by 2047.
The inaugural session saw an impressive gathering of delegates, resource persons, invited speakers, panelists, librarians, and library professionals from across India and the North-East. The event also attracted international publishers showcasing the latest innovations in library products and technologies.
The conference is sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and the Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF). Their support highlights the collaboration between academic and governmental bodies to advance the field of academic libraries.
ICRAL-2025 is expected to serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, exploring innovative approaches, and shaping the future trajectory of academic libraries in an age of rapid technological advancements.