Director's Blog
Prof Devika P Madalli
Dear Friends,
On this proud and historic occasion, I extend my warm greetings to everyone present here as we celebrate the Republic Day of India, a day that marks the soul of our nation and the strength of our democracy.
On 26th January 1950, India did not merely adopt a Constitution; we embraced a vision — a vision of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, a vision where knowledge empowers citizens, and a vision where democracy is sustained by informed minds.
Today, as we gather at INFLIBNET, an institution dedicated to the creation, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge, this day holds a deeper meaning.
Republic Day reminds us of the extraordinary journey of our freedom fighters and constitutional architects — Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad, and countless others — who believed that an educated and informed society is the backbone of a strong republic.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of our Constitution, rightly reminded us:
“The Constitution is not a mere lawyer’s document, it is a vehicle of life, and its spirit is always the spirit of the age.”
This spirit continues to guide us even today. Our Constitution is not just a legal document; it is a living guide it urges us to think critically, act ethically, and serve selflessly. At its heart lies a simple yet powerful idea:
’knowledge must be accessible, inclusive, and transformative’.
Friends,
INFLIBNET stands as a silent yet powerful pillar of India’s knowledge ecosystem.
In an age where information flows faster than ever, our work ensures that authentic, organized, and equitable access to knowledge reaches every corner of the country.
From universities in metropolitan cities to colleges in rural India, from seasoned researchers to first-generation learners, INFLIBNET has enabled a democratic flow of information, echoing the very ideals of our Constitution.
Our initiatives towards NATION BUILDING such as:
ONOS-One Nation One Subscription, ShodhGanga, ShodhChakra, INFED, IRINS and SheRNI, SOUL, ShodhPrabha, are not merely technological achievements—they are acts of nation-building.
Because a republic survives not only through physical resources, but through education, awareness, and intellectual freedom.
If the freedom struggle of the past was fought with courage and sacrifice,the freedom struggle of today is fought with knowledge and innovation.
In a world of misinformation, digital divides, and rapidly changing technologies, INFLIBNET plays a crucial role in:
=>Supporting ethical research
=>Strengthening India’s global knowledge presence
My dear colleagues: You are not just managing information systems; you are safeguarding the intellectual sovereignty of our nation.
A strong republic needs young minds that are:
=>Curious, not complacent
=>Informed, not influenced
=>Ethical, not expedient
At this juncture I must also express that we face many challenges. One of the challenges is how to face problems and not be bogged down by stress. I sadly note that some of us do not have the inner strengthen to face stress. I stress upon mental health and well being. We have to be sensitive to the mental needs of our colleagues and be ready to handhold and help them.
As we embrace artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital platforms, let us remember that technology must always serve humanity, not replace it. Our nation needs work in all domains of STEMM and HSS. As INFLIBNET community it is important to bring focus on to what we do in the domain of Library and Knowledge sciences and the unparalleled service we render to the nation. I thank each of you for your contribution. As we continue in our journey let us resolve to keep the momentum and make our services more and more pertinent and practical in strengthening the higher education and science in the country.
Our Constitution teaches us balance— between progress and compassion, between innovation and inclusion.
Let INFLIBNET continue to be a model where:
=>Technology empowers learning
=>Access bridges inequality
=>Knowledge strengthens democracy, A Collective Responsibility.
A Collective Responsibility Republic Day is not only a celebration — it is a renewal of commitment. A commitment:
=>To uphold constitutional values
=>To promote free and fair access to knowledge
=>To serve society through education and research
A republic is not sustained by monuments or ceremonies alone, but by thinking citizens and learning institutions.
May INFLIBNET continue to illuminate minds, connect institutions, and strengthen the intellectual foundations of our nation.
Let us move forward with pride in our Constitution, faith in our democracy, and dedication to the pursuit of knowledge.
Jai Hind.
Vande Mataram.