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Bhubaneswar, 10/8/2025 ( Odisha Samachar) — The Odisha Library Academy (OLA) marked a milestone with its 10th Annual Convention and Seminar on “Insights into Modern Methods and Technologies – Optimizing Library Access (IMMT-OLA),” held at CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar. The event also commemorated the 134th birth anniversary of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, the father of Library Science in India, in honor of National Librarians’ Day.
The day began with a solemn lamp-lighting ceremony and floral tribute to Dr. Ranganathan, followed by a warm welcome from Dr. Satya Ranjan Sahu, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-IMMT and Organising Secretary of IMMT-OLA 2025. His address set the tone for a day of reflection, innovation, and professional camaraderie.
Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Sahoo, President of Odisha Library Academy, delivered a stirring speech emphasizing the evolving role of libraries in democratizing access to knowledge and fostering inclusive development. His remarks resonated with the theme of the seminar, which focused on modernizing library systems through technology and collaboration.
The inaugural session featured distinguished guests,The Chief Guest, Shri Amar Kumar Nayak, Hon’ble MLA of Badchana, praised the Academy’s efforts in promoting digital literacy and called for greater investment in library infrastructure across Odisha.Shri Jiban Ballav Jena, Principal of Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College, Cuttack, who served as Guest of Honor. He highlighted the importance of libraries in empowering women and students in academic institutions. Odisha Library Academy Updated the Shortcoming of Librarians in the State of Odisha andDemanded following Pointsa. Pay Scale of Librarians in Odisha b. Work out for Library Act in Odisha, Library Festival in Odisha , Recognition of Librarians by Govt of Odisha ,he agreed and raise these Questions in Assembly.
A special moment of the event was the release of the latest issue of the Indian Journal of Library & Information Society, followed by the felicitation of eminent library professionals: Dr. Paramananda Mishra, Dr. Rabindra Kumar Mahapatra, Dr. Banamber Sahoo, and Dr. Braja Kishor Dalai, for their outstanding contributions to the field.
Shri Bijoy Ketan Panda, Secretary of Odisha Library Academy, offered a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the collaborative spirit that made the event a success.
The seminar sessions featured thought-provoking presentations on topics ranging from AI’s impact on librarianship to bibliometric analysis, cybersecurity, and intellectual property rights. Experts like Dr. Kishor Chandra Satpathy (ISI Kolkata), Dr. S. Kannan (IIM Sambalpur), and Dr. T. Pavan Kumar (CSIR-IMMT) shared insights that bridged traditional library values with cutting-edge digital practices.
The valedictory ceremony was graced by Dr. Nabin Kumar Dhal, Chief Scientist at CSIR-IMMT, as Chief Guest, alongside Dr. Bamana Parida, Retired Professor of Utkal University. The session was chaired by Dr. Dipak Kumar Khuntia, Vice-President of OLA, and featured reflections from Dr. D.P. Sandha, Seminar Director, and Dr. Prangya Das, Joint Secretary of OLA.
The convention reaffirmed OLA’s commitment to advancing library science and digital access, leaving attendees inspired and equipped to lead the next chapter of transformation in the field.
