New Delhi, July 11, 2026

Emphasising the importance of knowledge in shaping a nation's future, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Jayaprakash Narayan Library in New Delhi on Saturday, calling it a significant step towards encouraging learning and intellectual growth among young people. He said libraries are not merely places to store books but institutions that help build informed citizens and strengthen the foundation of a progressive society. The event was attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma, NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra and other dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said the true measure of a country's future lies not in its markets or industries but in the number of young people studying in its libraries. Recalling his childhood in a small town, he shared how access to a well-stocked library shaped his intellectual journey and inspired him to study the Vedas and Upanishads. He also said that while people are often advised to think before speaking, they must first read before they can think meaningfully, adding that such values can be cultivated only through libraries. According to him, developing a reading habit naturally enables individuals to distinguish between right and wrong.

Highlighting an initiative in his Gandhinagar parliamentary constituency, Shah said nearly every village has been equipped with a library containing 3,000 to 4,000 books, all linked to a central library with more than 1.25 lakh books. He said four mobile library vans deliver requested books to villages every week and urged the Delhi government to create a similar integrated library network connected with schools. The newly inaugurated Jayaprakash Narayan Library houses more than 32,000 books and features dedicated research facilities, a children's section, a modern auditorium and an e-library offering access to over one crore digital books. It is also equipped with free Wi-Fi, an RFID-based book management system and the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), while being integrated with the National Digital Library of India.

Paying tribute to Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, Amit Shah described him as a visionary leader whose contributions to India's democratic journey continue to inspire generations. He recalled JP's role in the Quit India Movement, his stand during the Emergency and his call for "Sampoorna Kranti." Concluding his address, the Home Minister encouraged the youth of Delhi to make full use of the Jayaprakash Narayan Library, strengthen their knowledge through reading and contribute towards the vision of a self-reliant and developed India by 2047.