Monday, December 10, 2007

By Invitation -IV

By :- Mr.Aayush Surana
MANIT -Ist year student

The British Library has always played an integral part in the lives of the people of Bhopal.The decision for its closing down is extremely shocking. The kind of ambience and atmosphere it provides is unmatched in Bhopal. For the past 42 years it has been a constant source for treasuries of Books, DVDs, CDs, Periodicals and Audio Books. We, the people of Bhopal have enormous affinity and affection for this library. For years this has been a place which one can always look forward to visit in times of distress as well as joy. One could always remember “If there is no place to turn to, there’s always BCL!”. Now the British Council has decided to take away our most prideful asset and has left us orphaned. They must understand that BCL is not simply a library for us, BUT is something which has always been a part of our lives and with the course of time is something which we consider as our own...much like a friend or mentor……All the people of Bhopal must come together and save our beloved BCl.Folks think about it – It’s the only place which we can be proud of!

By Invitation-III

By:- Mr.Nawal Kishor Sharma
HT Copy Editor


The agonizing news that BL will soon be shut down stares us in the face. But the collective effort to swell the chorus of protest is as much heartening as it is shocking to think that the library is going to be a thing of the past soon. At a time when book-reading habit is waning, it is all the more heartbreaking that a library igniting love of books is going to be closed. The place was everyone's favourite not because it has good carpets, downy sofas or air-conditioned comfort, but because here people read, contemplated, took notes, got newer insights and exchanged ideas. Wish and pray the proposed closure does not really happen. Wish the decision is not final. Wish there is light at the end of the tunnel. I say Amen. And I can hear many other voices saying the same with me. We shall overcome.

Passion Beyond Reason!

The Protest, done by the members of BCL has worked and has started yielding result, also.Thus, our passion for BCL is very much visible. What we all need to do ,convince ourselves to dedicate some of our time and cooperation ,for the protest and win it. Just think, if our joint efforts save our BCL we will not only save our future but the future of upcoming genre also. Its better to magnify things, if nothing is understood!

We have got a proposal from Sompal Shastri to provide BCL help of Rs. 1 Crore. Also, one of the state minister has asked for the entire report and then only he will take actions required. So, there lies a hope.. and this can be encashed only ,when we keep going with our efforts and more people join us.

We thank, all the members who drop their views and suggestions ,here with a motivation dose.Highly Commendable.Please , maintaine the support till we win it!

Sunday, December 9, 2007

By Invitation -II

By :- Ms. Shubhra Dastidar
Proffessor



It was very shocking to see the newspaper on Thursday morning,6thDecember,2007.announcing the closure of British Library.Over the last 40 years ,British Library has become a part and parcel of our lives-developed acquaintances,friends, associates,and a social circle through its members.British Library has opened doors to the world of knowledge,be it any subject in every sphere-the great potentials one can reach out to is unspeakable .From A-ARITHMETIC --------------------to---------Z-ZOOLOGY there have been untapped resources through books,netlinks,web- access, audio-visual aids,CD's & DVD's.You name it and you find an avenue- a path carefully to tread on and reach your goal.This closure is like a TSUNAMI that has come from nowhere,and closed the doors to knowledge permanently to students and coming generations- not just to speak about members who've been associated with the library for years.You've made an abyss which can never be filled by the closure of this library .SAVE BRITISH LIBRARY-ITS THE PRIDE OF BHOPAL

By Invitation -I

# This is the first invitation writing we got from one of the regular BCL member.

By:- Mrs Suneela Bhalla
Voice and Accent Trainer

The world over people are lamenting the loss of the reading habit.The Internet and Television have made a place in children's imaginations.The British Council Libraries with branches all over the country have become a part of treasured traditions in many familieswhere successive generations become members of BCL.Through my school and College yearswherever my father,an Air Force officer, was posted we looked for and became membersOf BCL.After I became a mother I was proud to pass on the privilege of becoming a member of BCL to my boys.As a teacher and Voice & Accent Trainer I recommendreading to all my students.My sons enjoy their weekends at BCL and refuse to go out of townfor summer vacation because they have to participate in the various workshops and reading voyages.Whenever I feel low BCL is my favourite refuge -spending a couple of hours in the library refreshes and rejuvenates me.All of a sudden a bureaucratic decision plans to snatch away my second homefrom me.Where will we get the books and the ambience that BCL provides? The decision makers are not emotionally involved to BCL as we are.

Why was the opinion of the members not considered? My fervent APPEAL to ICCR and The British High Commission is to take back this HIGH HANDED,AUTOCRATICdecision.

Calling, 'By Invitation'

This is a section ,that we are starting from today for the members of the BCL, to express their views and suggestions to save BCL . All other members ,who are intrested to contribute their articles on the same issue are invited.

Everyday, on this blog a member's article will be posted. And, their suggestion and ideas to save BCL will be considered.The context, should not be VULGUR and should NOT hurt the sentiments of anyone.Do write in your Full Name , Membership Card No. , what you do. And , send it to this address : [vijeta.peace@gmail.com]

P.S: All seniors members, kids and the youth ,invited to write.

Meeting Held Today

As decided by,the 'Save BCL Club' . A meeting was held outside the library to take other member's views and opinions. People were peeved,emotional, and wanted this library to live for more years.

In addition, people from the print media and electronic media were also there and came to forward to support us. Thanks to them.And, we hope they will help us till the end.

But, we are very disappointed with the 'BCL lovers' who did not turn up in the meeting,today. Only, 70-80 people out of 5000 members came in the meeting.Now,do you think handful of people can save your BCL? If there is a possibility, that BCL can survive then its all because of its members , who knows what importance does it hold in their lives and families.And ,their support will save it.You remember the saying, " All for one,one for all". Yes, we need unity! U.N.I.T.Y , I guess that's loud enough? We would humbly, request all the members to come forward and be a part of this team BCL.

Also, next Sunday ie. 16 DEC 2007 ,we have again conducted a meeting at 12:00 noon .So, please do make your presence.

Coming to the conclusion of today's meeting ,we had Signature Campaigning ; banners were put up ; discussion among the members for the solutions , also in next few days we will go to the C.M and other the authorities ,to help us out and find a solution to our problem.