GG News Bureau
Thiruvananthapuram, 18th May. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath has called for the establishment of libraries in temples as a means to draw more young people to these sacred spaces.
Speaking after receiving an award from the Sree Udiyannoor Devi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Somanath emphasized that temples should evolve into centers for societal transformation, not just places for elderly devotees to engage in nama japa (chanting the name of God).
“Temples should not only be places where elderly people come for nama japa, but they should also become places for transforming society,” Somanath stated. He expressed his disappointment at the low turnout of young people at the award ceremony and urged temple managements nationwide to take proactive steps in attracting the younger generation.
“Why not set up libraries in temples?” he suggested, proposing that such an initiative would create an environment where youth could gather to read, discuss various issues, and develop their careers in the evenings. “If the temple management works in that direction, it would bring big changes,” he added.
The award was presented to Somanath by former ISRO chairman G. Madhavan Nair, and the event was attended by notable dignitaries including former Chief Secretary K. Jayakumar and VK Prasanth MLA. The call for libraries in temples highlights a potential new role for these traditional institutions in fostering community engagement and intellectual growth among young people.
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