Bhopal, August 2025: The National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal, through its central library Gyan Mandir, inaugurated GYANOTSAV 2025, a two-day national conference on the theme “Re-Imagining Libraries of Viksit Bharat.” The event brought together policymakers, academicians, librarians, researchers, and students from across India to deliberate on the evolving role of libraries in shaping an inclusive, knowledge-driven society aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Hon’ble Shri Inder Singh Parmar, Minister of Higher Education, Technical Education and AYUSH, Government of Madhya Pradesh, inaugurated the conference as the Chief Guest. In his address, he recalled India’s timeless tradition of knowledge, drawing inspiration from Nalanda and Takshashila, and emphasized that libraries are not mere repositories of books but living centers of innovation, values, and nation-building. He urged students to view libraries as lifelong laboratories of learning and stressed the need to integrate India’s intellectual heritage with modern digital technologies.
Apart from the Hon’ble Chief Guest, the event was graced by Prof. (Dr.) S. Surya Prakash, Vice Chancellor, NLIU Bhopal; Dr. Priya Rai, University Librarian, National Law University Delhi; Dr. S. S. Kushwah, Librarian, Rani Laxmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi; and Shri Vivek Bakshi, Registrar, NLIU Bhopal. In his remarks, Prof. (Dr.) Surya Prakash highlighted that the conference reflects the institution’s mission of linking education with innovation, inclusivity, and cultural preservation. He reiterated that libraries are the soul of any university and must evolve into dynamic knowledge ecosystems that democratize access in the age of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data.
Organising Secretary Mr. Mohit Gupta, Assistant Librarian of NLIU, described GYANOTSAV 2025 as a platform born out of collective academic vision and institutional commitment. He emphasized that the conference is not merely an academic congregation but a national dialogue aimed at positioning libraries at the heart of research, policy reform, and digital transformation. He noted that the rigorous peer-review process ensured only the highest quality papers were selected for presentation, and expressed confidence that the deliberations would contribute meaningfully to India’s library movement and the larger goal of a knowledge-driven Bharat.
The conference featured several landmark moments including the release of the proceedings volume “Libraries in Viksit Bharat: Bridging Tradition, Technology, and Transformation”, the keynote address by Dr. Priya Rai on technology-driven services and indigenous knowledge systems; a special address by Dr. S. S. Kushwah on modernizing libraries; the release of the sixth edition of OJAS – The NLIU Newsletter dedicated to Operation Sindoor, and the launch of the book “Protection of Intellectual Property Rights in Cyberspace” authored by Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Surya Prakash and Mr. Vijay Kumar Singh.
Delivering the Vote of Thanks, Registrar Shri Vivek Bakshi praised the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and described the Government’s visionary “One Nation, One Subscription” policy as a revolutionary step that has expanded access to scholarly resources across the country. He stated, “The Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of One Nation, One Subscription has ensured that the barriers of affordability and access no longer hinder India’s researchers. This policy stands as a testament to our national resolve of building a knowledge-driven and inclusive Bharat.” He further reminded the gathering that Bharat has always been a developed civilization, enriched by the world’s oldest and most advanced knowledge systems, and that at a time when much of the world was beginning to learn, India had already established a highly evolved educational tradition. He also highlighted the tireless efforts of the student organising team, led by Sakshi Sharma as Student Head, along with her peers who coordinated logistics, academic reviews, and cultural segments, noting that their youthful leadership and dedication had played a decisive role in the smooth execution of the conference.
With over 150 delegates representing NLUs, IITs, IIMs, Central and State Universities, High Courts, law firms, and research centres, GYANOTSAV 2025 emerged as a national confluence of academia, industry, and policymakers. Discussions ranged from law libraries, copyright in the age of AI, and open access, to sustainable development of library models and preservation of indigenous knowledge. The conference concluded with the message that the ideas emerging from this platform will play a vital role in India’s journey towards becoming a knowledge-led developed nation and reclaiming its legacy as Vishwaguru.
