A step towards strengthening cultural and educational infrastructure in Car Nicobar was marked on December 12 with the laying of the foundation stone for the renovation and modernisation of the District Library building, a project aimed at transforming the facility into a contemporary public knowledge centre .
The foundation stone ceremony signalled the beginning of a long-awaited upgrade of the library, which is being undertaken with support from the Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation under the National Mission on Libraries, an initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The project falls under the scheme for upgradation of library facilities, digital and IT-based library services, and improvement of public access infrastructure.
As part of the modernisation plan, the existing library will be equipped with improved digital infrastructure, enhanced reading and reference facilities, and upgraded services designed to make the space more accessible to a wider cross-section of the community. The project also includes the creation of facilities catering to specially abled users, reflecting an emphasis on inclusive access to information and learning resources.
The upgraded library is expected to go beyond conventional book-lending functions and evolve into a multi-purpose learning space. A notable feature of the project is the planned establishment of a dedicated musical arts room designed for audio recording. The soundproof facility will be equipped with a range of musical instruments and is intended to support creative expression among students and youth in Car Nicobar.
The musical arts room is being funded under the Integrated Tribal Development Programme, aligning cultural preservation and skill development objectives with broader educational infrastructure initiatives. By integrating creative spaces within a library setting, the project aims to encourage interdisciplinary learning and provide local students with opportunities to explore artistic interests alongside academic pursuits.
The event brought together district administration officials, representatives from the Tribal Council and personnel from various departments, reflecting institutional support for the initiative. The project has been positioned as part of a larger effort to improve public educational resources in Nicobar district, where access to modern facilities has historically been limited by geography and connectivity constraints.
Officials involved in the project indicated that the modernisation would address long-standing infrastructural gaps and improve the library’s capacity to serve as a community hub. Digital and IT-based services are expected to facilitate access to online resources, educational content and government information portals, particularly for students and researchers.
Public libraries in remote regions play a crucial role in bridging educational and informational divides. In the context of Car Nicobar, the upgraded facility is expected to serve students, educators and the general public, offering a space for study, research and cultural engagement.
The foundation stone ceremony marks the transition of the project from planning to execution. While timelines for completion have not been detailed in the release, the commencement of work has generated expectations of improved public access to knowledge resources in the district.
The initiative aligns with national efforts to revitalise public libraries as modern, technology-enabled institutions capable of supporting lifelong learning. For Car Nicobar, the project represents a significant addition to its educational and cultural landscape, with the potential to benefit future generations.
