Celebration of the 125th birth year of
Padmashree Prof. (Dr.) Siyali Ramamrita Ranganathan
Ranganathan devised Five Laws of Library Science which are still relevant in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS). Partha Pratim Ray in his article ‘Influence of Indian Epic Literature on Ranganathan’s Five Laws of Library Science’ very splendidly has focused on Ranganathan’s vast knowledge in Indian epic literature. Ranganathan’s logical use of references of laws of Manusamhita in the clarification of Five Laws of Library Science have brought a strong philosophical base for the discipline LIS. Consequently, Ray has very aptly pointed out the areas in developing Five Laws of Library Science where the influence of Manusamhita has played a great role. According to Ray, special emphasis on the word ‘every’ has also been influenced from Manu’s narration of man without book, with book, knowledgeable man after study and chance behaviour. Indications have also been given about Ranganathan’s reference of Karmayoga in the clarification of First Law and the reference of Gita for the explanation of ‘the Spirit of the library’. Thus, Ray has very precisely depicted the influence of Indian epic literature on Ranganathan to develop a philosophical base for LIS.
Reviewed by
Dr. Ashis Biswas (
Librarian, Victoria Institution (College), Kolkata 700 009
Contribution 3
Influence of Indian Epic Literature on Ranganathan’s Five Laws of Library Science
Partha Pratim Ray
Deputy Librarian,
P.S.B. Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan- 731 236
E-mail:
Introduction
Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan is known to the world for his classical theories and practical applications for the cause of development of library, library science and librarianship as a profession. Ranganathan has evolved some fundamentals theories like normative principles of library science which includes subject laws (Five laws of library science), colon classification, classified catalogue code, chain indexing etc for the development of library science as a discipline.
This essay attempts to trace the influencing philosophical factor which lead Ranganathan to develop five laws of library science which “is the epitome of the operational philosophy of librarianship”1. Ranganathan had great interest in Indian epic literature in Sanskrit from his early age. A good number of references to Sanskrit literature can be noticed in his five laws of library science.
Five Laws of library science and Indian Epic Literature
Ranganathan first narrated the Five laws of library science in 1928 in a conference at Meenakshi College, Annamalainagar. The Laws published in 1931. An in-depth study of the Laws would reveal that Ranganathan has used twice (once after the contents and again in description of Second Law under “MANU’S MAXIM”) the following quotations of Manu Samhita (English translation) in his classic work “The Five Laws of Library Science”.
“ To carry knowledge to the door of those that lack it and to educate all to perceive the right!
Even to give away the whole earth cannot equal that form of service”.
Ranganathan read Manu Samhita and was influenced by its code relating to Brahmacharya (the student age) which narrates code of conduct of student-teacher. As he correctly mentioned librarian should not leave any stone untouched as far as users’ satisfaction is concerned like teachers to his student. Sometimes, all conscious attempts fail. Hence, we have to act on the principle of “the more, the merrier. By contacting the student intimately in varied situation, we may increase the chance to hit their nuclear element. So, little is ever achieved by verbal transmission. A true teacher fulfils himself more effectively through that intangible influence emanating from his personality and transforms the students and throws them into the most favourable mood for the creative enfoldment of their own personality”2. The genesis of this concept is Manu’s narration, “The good should be taught to people without hurting them; one who desires merit should use his words sweetly and delicately”3.Ranganathan devoted a paragraph on “MANU’S MAXIM” in ‘second law and its digvijaya’ for the sake of spread of education. He mentioned “We cannot end this rapid sketch of the World Conquering Expedition of the Second Law of Library Science more appropriately than by praying, in all sincerity, for the speedy success of the Second Law in India as well and by reminding our Ministers of Education that the example of their brethren in the progressive nations is but in close consonance with the precept of our ancient law-giver”4.
Ranganathan in his Five Laws gave special emphasis on the word ‘every’ that is the right to knowledge by every citizen. As “… in libraries books are collected for USE, prepared for USE, kept for USE and served for USE’’5. Manu’s narration of man without book, with book, knowledgeable man after study and chance of his behavior thereafter is the source of inspiration of this statement. To quote Manu, “(Even forgetful) student of the (sacred) books are more distinguished than the ignorant, those who remember them surpass the (forgetful) students, those who possess a knowledge (of the meaning) are more distinguished than those who (only) remember (the words), men who follow (the teaching of the texts), surpass those who (merely) know (their meaning)”6. Ranganathan’s Five Laws also opined “When knower and knowee are brought into relation, the knower knows the knowee; and knowledge emerges”7.
For proper maximum utilization of library resources the role of librarian is most important. He should have the quality of hospitality like host not the store keeper. Ranganathan in First Law under the heading ‘What makes a Library Big’ mentioned, “In fact, the relationship between the librarian and the reader should be easiest and the most agreeable….”. “.. it is the library staff that ultimately make or mar a library”8. The same kind of reference can be noticed in family life “…where the husband is pleased with the wife and the wife with her husband, happiness will assuredly lasting”9 .
In narration of First law he mentioned Lord Krishna words of Karmayoga to the librarians:
“Thy right is to action alone and never to fruits.
Let not the fruit of action be the motive.
Nor let thyself be attached to inaction.”10
To explain ‘the spirit of the library’ as knowledge center Ranganathan quotes from Gita:
“As a person casts off worn-out garments and puts on others that are new, so does the embodied soul cast off worn-out forms and enter into others that are new.
Weapons do not cleave him; fire does not burn him; water does not make him wet; nor does the wind make him dry.
He cannot be cloven; he cannot be burnt; he cannot be wetted; he cannot be dried; he is eternal, all-pervading, steadfast and immovable; he is the same forever.”11.
Conclusion
Manu Samhita by providing code of conduct of student teacher and vice-versa laid the foundation of knowledge based society. Ranganathan being influenced by Indian epic literature provides philosophical, moral and functional aspects of library as storehouse and disseminator of recorded knowledge in his Five laws of library science. It can foster the modern concept on inclusive education. Only through equal access to education, information, knowledge to every citizen knowledge society can be established where freedom of expression will persist. Then only freedom of mind, freedom of heart and freedom of will be established. An environment ‘where mind is free, head is held high’ could be established. Five laws of library science have been changing its form with passage of time and becoming a social law as it is based on solid philosophical foundation.
References
1.Mukherjee A K, Librarianship its philosophy and history (Asia; Bombay), 1996. p.31.
4, 5,7, 8, 10 & 11. Ranganathan SR, The five laws of library science (Sarada Ranganathan Endowment for Library Science; Bangalore), 1957 (rep.1988).
2.Ranganathan SR, New education and school library: experience of half a century (Sarada Ranganathan Endowment for Library Science; Bangalore), 1966 (rep.), p. 73.
3.Raghavan V, The Manu Samhita .In The Cultural heritage of India, vol. 2, ed. S. K. De et al.( Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture; Calcutta), 1962, p. 357.
6, 9.Buhlar G, The Laws of Manu: Translated with extracts from seven commentaries. Sacred books of the east Series, vol. 25, ed. MaxMuller (Motilal Banarasidass; Delhi), 1988, p.507-58.
Thanks,
Organizing Secretary,
SRR 125: A Digital Event
See also-