Tributes paid to library movement pioneer Ayyanki Venkata Ramanaiah - The HinduPublished - July 24, 2026 10:03 pm IST - VIJAYAWADAAyyanki Murali Krishna, grandson of Padma Shri awardee and pioneer of the library movement Ayyanki Venkata Ramanaiah, paid tributes to his grandfather on the latter’s 136th birth anniversary, saying he was a visionary who spearheaded a mass library movement under the slogan, “Public libraries are temples of knowledge.”He was speaking at the birth anniversary celebrations organised at Tagore Library on Bandar Road by librarian Ramadevi on Friday.Editor of Navamalletheega Kalimishri said Ayyanki Venkata Ramanaiah believed that establishing libraries was the most effective way to combat illiteracy, ignorance, superstition and regressive social attitudes, and dedicated his life to expanding the library movement across society.A compilation of essays and poems titled Manishi Kosam, authored by Padala Neela Ramesh Gautam, was released on the occasion.Ms. Ramadevi said the libraries established through Ayyanki Venkata Ramanaiah’s efforts continued to serve young people as centres for reading and learning while also supporting employment and career development.Mr. Murali Krishna distributed sweets to the students who attended the programme, and the author, Padala Neela Ramesh Gautam, was felicitated.Published - July 24, 2026 10:03 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }