Students who studied all night at MJ Library are a harried lot after authorities started closing the premises by 11 pm daily since Oct 1
‘We do not need books. Our request is to keep the reading room open for students who study there late into the night’
Students pursuing professional courses and appearing for competitive exams have started burning the midnight oil with exams looming large over their heads.
However, students who earlier studied at the M J Library all night are a disappointed lot after the library authorities decided to close the reading room in the library premises at 11 pm from October 1, citing security reasons.
The library, which is on a prime location at Ashram Road, attracts students from Narol, Naroda and other areas of the city.
These students, who find it difficult to study at home or in the hostel due to space constraints and other factors, have made all possible efforts to get it revoked but in vain. They’ve talked to Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Mayor Kanaji Thakore, Speaker Ashok Bhatt and knocked the doors of all important people to get the library to keep the reading room open round the clock, but it has not worked.
An L D Engineering student, Vimal Patel, who studies regularly at the library, said, “I am a hostellite. Reading till late in the night is just not possible at the hostel.” “With the library closing early, studying has become difficult.”
Karnik Shah, a third year engineering student, said, “I just have a month on hand for my fourth semester exams. I just cannot work hard due to the library’s decision.”
When the library announced its closing timings, the students got together and faxed their grievance to Narendra Modi. They got a reply that due to security reasons, the library cannot remain open at nights.
Ravi Bokade, an MCA student who sent the fax, said, “The students had to give up their fight as they had to concentrate on their exams. We will talk to Kantilal Patel, principal of the library, very soon.”
“We do not need books. The entire library need not remain open at nights. Our request is simply to keep open the reading room.” said Ronak Rana, a CA student. MBA student Manan Mistry said, “We talked to all the bigwigs, requested a lot. But, nothing worked.”
When the mayor was asked the reason for withdrawing the late-night reading facility, he said, “Students bring all kinds of bags and accessories. During festivals, it becomes difficult to maintain security. I shall consider their request and take action within 15 days.”
I just have a month on hand for my fourth semester exams. I just cannot work hard due to the library’s decision
— Karnik Shah, a third year engineering student
I am a hostellite. Reading till late in the night is just not possible at the hostel. With the library closing early, studying has become difficult
— Vimal Patel, L D Engineering student
Read original article at: http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/article/3/200811122008111202363117373e313a3/MJ-Library-shuts-doors-on-students.html
Aditi Rindani 