Latest Kerala Local News: An old public library in Kannur with a story about Gandhi in
Cannanore Public Library stands opposite a residential building of Gujarati families, both beautiful with age and with a story to share for those who stop to ask.
Along Bank Road in Keralas Kannur, lined with numerous shops and a sparkling shopping mall, two old buildings face each other that almost stubbornly refuse to change with the times. On one side is the Cannanore Public Library located in Govardhan Mandir, and on the other side is an old residential building, both beautiful with age. The two also have a bit of history to share for those who stop to ask.
One rainy day in June, Prasannan, the library’s elderly secretary, sits alone behind a table in the cramped downstairs lobby. Bookshelves jut out into the narrow spaces for the reader to walk through and search for books. The top of each shelf has a few letters of the alphabet to identify the group of books it contains. Prasannan, if you ask him, will pull out an old book that maps letters to books. These registers, he points to more dusty books lovingly kept on his table, date from a long time ago.
The library was built in 1929, he says, but it is not sure if it was the first in Kannur. People who loved books and wanted a library here built it. It all started in one room and they had to fund it all themselves. Even now, the situation is not much better. We might need some help, says Prasannan, who voluntarily took over the secretariat of the library.
Presannan
He also tells us about the building opposite and the Gujarati families who live there. When Mahatma Gandhi once came to Kannur, that’s where he stayed, with a Gujarati family. And his wife Kasturba used to come to the library to take women’s classes, Prasannan said.
Local historian and writer Kottiyath Sadanandan says it is true that Gandhi came to Kannur and stayed with the Seth family in their house. It is right in front of the library. There was a building behind the one you see now, with a big yard and everything. This is where Gandhi stayed. Seth is also known to have given up space for the construction of Kannur railway station, Sadanandan says.
Apartment building opposite
Gandhi visited Kannur twice, he adds. The first time was in 1920 and the second in 1934.
The room containing the books in 1929 obviously grew over the next few years into a large room with an inner room, with all the books neatly filed and organized and added to a database. On the upper floor is a reading room. Here, the benches are occupied, their heads bent over newspapers and books in which they seemed lost.
The library survives on membership fees from its patrons, but that’s not enough, says Prasannan. He hopes that help will come sooner or later so that the beloved old library can support itself.
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An Overview of Global Events in 2023
In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.
Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.
Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.
Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.
Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.
Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.
Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.
In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.