Amit Shah Inaugurates Delhi Public Library, Says Young Readers Reflect Country’s Future

New Delhi, July 11: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday inaugurated the Jayaprakash Narayan Public Library in the NDMC area and said the strength of a nation’s future can be judged by the number of young people engaging with libraries. Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Shah said knowledge and wisdom are the foundation of nation-building and libraries play a crucial role in developing a reading culture among youth. “If you want to assess the future of a country, look at how crowded its libraries are and whether young people are there,” Shah said. He urged library officials to connect with nearby schools and encourage students to develop the habit of reading, saying books help young minds differentiate between right and wrong. The Home Minister said the newly inaugurated facility offers access to thousands of books and digital resources, and expressed hope that libraries across Delhi would be integrated with schools to expand learning opportunities. Shah also praised the NDMC for naming the library after Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, recalling Narayan’s contribution to India’s freedom movement and public life. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the library as a major resource for students preparing for competitive examinations, including UPSC, and said it would provide a better study environment for young aspirants. Developed as a modern reading and study centre, the library has a seating capacity of 200 people and includes physical books, digital resources, an e-library section, a multipurpose hall and modern facilities for readers.