Puri:March, 6: During the construction of the Srimandir Parikrama Project, 75 meters from the Meghanada Pacheri (outer boundary wall) were cleared. As a result, the nearby Emar Math and the historic Raghunandan Library located within its premises were demolished.
At that time, the then District Collector and the government had assured that the culturally significant library would be rebuilt in a new form within six months. It was also promised that all books, manuscripts, palm-leaf scriptures, copper plates, and rare collections housed there would be digitized and modernized. However, even after six years, all these promises regarding the Raghunandan Library have turned into mere words. The century-old institution was reduced to rubble just before celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Now, the Raghunandan Library is struggling for its very existence. Intellectuals fear that as people gradually forget even its name, it may remain recorded only in some forgotten corner of history.
According to sources, Mahant Gadadhar Ramanuj Das of Emar Math established the Raghunandan Library in 1921 in memory of his guru, Mahant Raghunandan Ramanuj Das. He had collected valuable palm-leaf manuscripts, rare books, copper plates, and other important documents and preserved them in the library. It was once regarded as one of the most prestigious heritage libraries in the state.
During the construction of the Srimandir Parikrama Project, concerns were raised by culture lovers regarding its reconstruction. Although funds were reportedly sanctioned with assurances of rebuilding, six years have passed since its demolition. The promise to reconstruct the library within six months has now become a betrayal. Cultural enthusiasts have expressed deep anguish and concern over the issue.
It may be noted that for this project, around 4 acres and 6 decimals of government land were identified near Odisha Labana in the Baliapanda area of Puri. Around ₹25 lakh of government funds had earlier been spent on boundary walls and related works about 17 years ago. However, the vacant land has now reportedly become a hub for anti-social activities and is under illegal encroachment.
A Sri Kshetra Cultural Museum had also been conceptualized to provide tourists from across the country and abroad with modern knowledge about the culture of Lord Jagannath and to promote further research. But the project now lies completely neglected. As per the recent budget announcement, Rs1000 crore has been sanctioned for the reconstruction of the Raghunandan Library. District residents have urged the government to immediately begin the project and hand it over to the public.
Meanwhile, the rare books shifted from the library are lying at the Land Acquisition Office in the name of preservation. Cultural activists have expressed fears that several manuscripts and rare documents may have been stolen. Questions are now being raised about whether this historic library will ever be rebuilt and its valuable collections restored, or whether it will remain only a name in history for future generations.
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