India Collection of Books Launched at Edison Library
India-West Staff Reporter
EDISON,NJ – The Edison Library in partnership with the Indian Consulate and Global Organization of People of Indian origin Edison NJ Chapter (GOPIO-Edison) hosted a ‘India Collection Launch’ event to donate a large collection of Indian books.
More than 200 books were donated by the organizers and supporting groups like the Gujarati Literary Academy of North America, Gandhian Society, Indo American Cultural Society of USA, Assam Sahitya Sabha and Zakir Husain Circle.
The Indian Consul General Randhir Kumar Jaiswal was the chief guest along with Consul for Community Affairs A.K. Vijayakrishnan. After a prayer song by GOPIO-Edison President Pallavi Belwariar, a moment of silence was observed for the victims of Russia’s war in Ukraine and for the recent passing of GOPIO member Yash Paul Soi.
Library Director Allan Kleiman said the collection would be be issued to anyone in Middlesex County. Library President Patricia Massey also welcomed the availability of classic India related books and Indian language books in the library.
GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham who initiated this effort with the help of the government of India, spoke of the need for the project: “Edison and nearby towns in New Jersey have one of the largest concentrations of Indian Americans and to serve our community members as well as to create a better understanding of India in the local population.” The books are in Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, Assamese and other languages.
Consul General Jaiswal spoke on the vibrant library system in America that helps spread knowledge and make it a developed country. He said that American Indian partnership is crucial for world peace and security and lauded the efforts of Diaspora in getting this initiative to Edison. He said that the libraries in USA are the best in the world and making Indian books available through the system will help the community too.
GOPIO Vice President Ram Gadhvi, who is also chairman of the Gujarati Literary Academy, contributed over 60 Gujarati books in this initiative said that the libraries would not be outdated despite digitalization and that many new Indian immigrants feel comfortable reading a hard copy of the book.
