Vice President CP Radhakrishnan released a biography titled “The Library Man of India: The Story of PN Panicker” on May 28, 2026, in New Delhi. The book, authored by PP Sathyan and published by Rupa Publications, chronicles the life and legacy of Puthuvayil Narayana Panicker, the pioneer of the library movement in Kerala. This publication highlights Panicker’s transformative role in making literacy a mass movement and establishing a robust library culture in India.
Who Was PN Panicker?
Puthuvayil Narayana Panicker, born on March 1, 1909, in Neelamperoor, Kerala, is widely revered as the Father of the Library Movement in India. He began his professional journey as a teacher, a role that deeply influenced his understanding of the connection between literacy and social empowerment. Panicker believed that the lack of access to books was a significant barrier to the progress of the rural population.
In 1926, at the age of 17, he established the Sanadanadharmam Library in his hometown. His approach was unique and grassroots focused; he would travel to remote villages, often carrying bundles of books and newspapers to read aloud to those who could not read or write. This “walking library” concept laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most successful literacy missions in the world.
The Kerala Library Movement and Granthasala Sangham
Panicker’s most significant achievement was the institutionalization of the library movement. In 1945, he led the formation of the Thiruvithaamkoor Granthasala Sangham (Travancore Library Association) with a modest network of 47 rural libraries. He coined the powerful slogan “Vayichu Valaruka” (Read and Grow), which served as a rallying cry for the masses.
Following the formation of the state of Kerala in 1956, the organization was renamed the Kerala Granthasala Sangham (KGS). Under Panicker’s leadership as the General Secretary for over three decades, the network expanded exponentially, eventually encompassing more than 6,000 libraries across the state. These libraries were not just repositories of books but became active community centers for cultural and social discourse.
The global significance of this movement was recognized in 1975, when the Sangham was awarded the prestigious Krupskaya Award by UNESCO. This accolade honored its outstanding contribution to adult literacy and non-formal education.
National Reading Day and Panicker’s Legacy
To honor his lifelong dedication to literacy, the Government of India and the state of Kerala have established official observances on his death anniversary, June 19.
- Reading Day (Vayanadinam): Kerala began observing June 19 as Reading Day in 1996, just a year after Panicker’s passing.
- National Reading Day: In 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared June 19 as National Reading Day across India.
- National Reading Month: The period from June 19 to July 18 is celebrated as National Reading Month, emphasizing the importance of reading, literacy, and digital learning.
Panicker’s efforts also led to the creation of the Kerala Association for Non-Formal Education and Development (KANFED) in 1977. This body was instrumental in launching the Kerala State Literacy Mission, which culminated in Kerala being declared the first fully literate state in India in 1991.
About the Book: The Library Man of India
The biography, titled “The Library Man of India: The Story of PN Panicker”, aims to bring the inspiring story of Panicker to a national audience. Authored by PP Sathyan and published by Rupa Publications, the book provides a detailed account of how a teacher’s vision of universal literacy evolved into a massive intellectual movement.
During the book release in New Delhi, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan emphasized that Panicker was a visionary who believed knowledge should be accessible to every citizen, regardless of their social status or geographic location. He noted that the book serves as a timely reminder of the power of grassroots initiatives in driving social change. The Vice President also highlighted the need to revive deep reading habits among the youth, which have been somewhat overshadowed by the rapid consumption of digital content.
Key Takeaways
- PN Panicker (1909–1995) is celebrated as the Father of the Library Movement in India and was instrumental in Kerala’s journey to universal literacy.
- He founded the Sanadanadharmam Library in 1926, which marked the beginning of his grassroots literacy mission.
- The Thiruvithaamkoor Granthasala Sangham, founded by him in 1945, eventually became the Kerala Granthasala Sangham (KGS) with over 6,000 libraries.
- The Kerala Granthasala Sangham received the prestigious UNESCO Krupskaya Award in 1975 for its contribution to literacy.
- June 19, the death anniversary of PN Panicker, is observed as National Reading Day across India since 2017.
- The newly released biography, “The Library Man of India: The Story of PN Panicker”, is authored by PP Sathyan and published by Rupa Publications.
