Syed Aamir Sharief Qadri
The Union Territory of J&K comprise two divisions i.e. Jammu and Kashmir. While Kashmir remained instable for more than three decades due to political turmoil, Jammu took a lead in establishing best educational structures to safeguard the future of students. The Jammu city is an ideal place for students to shape their dreams. Across Jammu we see a wide network of libraries spread everywhere in the city after ever five kilometers. Sometimes many libraries and reading rooms operate in one place.
One can find students from all parts of J&K studying together under one roof. These libraries symbolize unity and show the best example of communal harmony. The goal oriented new generation of Jammu region has developed a habit to study in libraries. In these libraries students are preparing for different competitive exams. There are government libraries too, like the one functioning in Jammu University, district library, and those attached to schools and colleges, but other than these a large numbers of them are privately owned. It is impossible to mention all the libraries of Jammu but a few are necessary to mention here. These include-Fresh Leaves Study Cafe (Kachi Chawni), S A Library (Kachi Chawni), Corals Library (Channi), Studytorium (Sanik Colony), Royals Library (Janipur), Dhanvantri Library (Jammu University), Sunil Library (Gandhi Nagar), Social Library- The Reading Cafe (Gandhi Nagar), Sankalp Library (Nanak Nagar), Vision Library (Talab Tillo), Read Much (Talab Tillo), Gurukul Study Zone (Shastri Nagar), The Hawking’s Reading Zone (Gujar Nagar), RACE Library (Trikuta Nagar), etc.
Though not every library delivers all necessary facilities required for study but a good number of them are committed to provide some basic facilities like spacious and well ventilated rooms with separate chambers for each student, proper lighting and charging points at each desk, high-speed Wi-Fi and CCTV cameras for surveillance, cafe and purified RO water, separate washrooms for both male and female students, parking etc. Most of these libraries provide 24×7 service. Above all a sensible staff to maintain disciple and silence is alike to all.
In recent years Sunjwan-Bathindi area of Jammu city has become a hub of learning. Here you can find a library or reading rooms almost in every lane. There are more than 20 libraries in the whole area. The students studying here belong to Muslim dominated areas of Jammu division especially Chenab valley and Pir Panjal region. Though Jammu city is prone to clashes the Muslim students prefer to stay here and feel safe. Some well-known libraries are as follows- Eshal Library (Mecca Masjid, Bathindi), Hasnain Library (Gulab colony, Bathindi), Corals Library (Nawabad), Study Zone (Sunjwan), etc.
The concept of establishing libraries and reading rooms is not native to the place. In fact long before Jammu these libraries were established in Delhi, the study hub for civil service. In the libraries of Jammu i found some students who are very keen to join elite services. For that reason they don’t return back to their houses after completing the course from leading institutes in Delhi. These students make Jammu second home to carry on studies. For them Jammu is a dream city that keeps them close to their dreams. Unlike the crazy students of Kashmir valley who work hard to crack NEET exam and get a tag of doctor, the Jammuites don’t limit their choice just to one profession. They choose a career that best suits their personality.
The famous learning centers of Jammu are Kachi Chawni, Canal Road, Gandhi Nagar, and Trikuta Nagar. A large number of coaching centers that offer coaching for different courses are situated in these places. They offer coaching for medical, non-medical, commerce, banking exams, SSB, SSC, KAS, UPSC-CSE, etc. The best known coaching centers operating in Delhi and at other places have now opened there branches in Jammu too. Moreover, the city is home to various technical institutes such as IIT, IIM, etc. For the convenience of students there are many options available to decide where to stay. Numerous hostels, PG’s are offering this service.
To conclude one can say that Jammu is home to reputed coaching centers and noted libraries. It has acquired central position in the sphere of learning. The city provides an opportunity to millions of students and helps them in identifying better possibilities to shape their future. |
