Heritage Institute of Technology Marks Historic Conclusion of Bengal Library Association’s Centenary Year
A Two-Day Conclave on “Innovative Librarianship” Reimagines the Future of Knowledge Institutions
Kolkata, 21 December 2025:
Heritage Institute of Technology (HITK) proudly hosted the concluding ceremony of the year-long Centenary Celebrations of the Bengal Library Association (BLA) on 20th and 21st December 2025, marking a historic milestone in the legacy of one of India’s oldest professional library bodies. The two-day event was thoughtfully curated around the theme “Innovative Librarianship”, reflecting the evolving role of libraries in the digital, interdisciplinary, and knowledge-driven era.
The prestigious ceremony was graced by Shri H. K. Chaudhary, Chairman, Heritage Group of Institutions, as the Chief Guest, and witnessed the presence of eminent scholars, librarians, cultural thinkers, and education leaders who deliberated on the transformation of libraries from repositories of books to dynamic hubs of innovation, inclusion, and lifelong learning. A small exhibition on the genesis of the Bengal Library Association was thoughtfully organized at Heritage, where precious archival collections were displayed from the era of Guru Rabindranath Tagore, who was the First President of the Association and the First General Secretary of the Association, Shri Sushil Kumar Ghosh. The distinguished guests on the dias after the inaugural ceremony of lamp lighting offered a garland and flowers to Guru Rabindranath Tagore to mark the commencement of the historic event. Cultural Dance organized by the students of Heritage Institute of Technology, added to the glory of the event.
Distinguished Dignitaries Present
- Smt. Kalpana Dasgupta, Former Librarian, National Library, Kolkata
- Prof. Samik Bandyopadhyay, Renowned Film Critic and Cultural Intellectual
- Dr. Joydeep Chanda, General Secretary, Bengal Library Association
- Prof. Krishnapada Majumder, Vice President, Bengal Library Association
- Shri Pradip Agarwal, CEO, Heritage Group of Institutions
Voices from the Dais
Shri H. K. Chaudhary, Chairman, Heritage Group of Institutions, in his address, emphasized the enduring relevance of libraries in a technology-driven world, stating:
“Innovation does not diminish the importance of libraries; rather, it elevates them. Libraries must now serve as intellectual ecosystems—where technology, ethics, creativity, and human values converge. Heritage is honoured to be part of this centenary moment that celebrates knowledge as the foundation of civilization.”
Smt. Kalpana Dasgupta, Former Librarian, National Library, Kolkata, reflected on the journey of librarianship, saying:
“From card catalogues to digital archives, librarianship has continuously reinvented itself. Innovation in libraries is not merely about technology—it is about accessibility, inclusivity, and preserving the cultural memory of a nation.”
Prof. Samik Bandyopadhyay, renowned film critic and thinker, highlighted the cultural dimension of libraries, remarking:
“Libraries are not silent spaces; they are living cultural texts. In an age of fleeting digital content, libraries remain guardians of depth, context, and critical thought.”
Dr. Joydeep Chanda, General Secretary, Bengal Library Association, underscored the significance of the centenary, stating:
“This 100-year journey of the Bengal Library Association is a testament to the collective commitment of librarians to society. The concluding ceremony is not an end, but a new beginning—where innovation will guide the next century of librarianship.”
Prof. Krishnapada Majumder, Vice President, BLA, added:
“Innovative librarianship means empowering communities, bridging knowledge gaps, and embracing change without losing our foundational values.”
Shri Pradip Agarwal, CEO, Heritage Group of Institutions, reaffirmed Heritage’s commitment to knowledge institutions, saying:
“At Heritage, we believe that education extends beyond classrooms. By hosting this historic centenary conclusion, we reiterate our belief in libraries as catalysts for academic excellence, research, and societal progress.”
A Fitting Tribute to a Century of Knowledge
The event featured insightful discussions, reflections on the centennial legacy of the Bengal Library Association, and forward-looking dialogues on digital transformation, knowledge democratization, and the evolving role of librarians in higher education and society at large.
By hosting this landmark concluding ceremony, Heritage Institute of Technology once again reaffirmed its role as a torchbearer of academic leadership, cultural engagement, and intellectual stewardship, aligning seamlessly with the spirit of a century-old institution dedicated to the dissemination of knowledge.
