The National Library: A Reader’s Rendition

Abstract

Of late—especially after so many decades since independence—we all are probably settling down on an important wisdom: while the British colonial rule was surely instrumental to bringing our relative retrogression, the role of our own intrinsic sociocultural and other features somewhat (and often) inimical to modern material aspirations was not negligible.

This essay was originally written in the mid-1990s, that is, much before a comprehensive refurbishment of the pre-existing structure and a large-scale construction of new buildings were undertaken more lately. However, the anecdotal value and relevance as for illustrations of some general points are, I think, not lost as yet. Also, I would be happy, not dampened, if most of my criticisms turn currently invalid especially after its subsequent overhaul and modernization.