Mr. Raj Beniwal: An Ex-Naval Officer

Raj Beniwal is an engineer by profession and has served in the Indian navy for 20 years. Presently he is working as Head, Engineering Department at Batra Hospital & Medical Research Centre, New Delhi

Interview:

Dr. Preeti Sharda: Please tell me something about your first encounter with the library.

Mr. Raj Beniwal: Though I was always interested in books, however, the first encounter with the library was in my school, way back in 1983. I was in 9^th class. I borrowed my first book and another and another. Soon it became a habit that I loved and proud of.

Dr. Preeti Sharda: How the library has made a change in your life?

Mr. Raj Beniwal: Library opened a completely new world  to me which was different from the school books and what most people know about. It was one place where I can be with my own self. The quiet in the confines of a good library is still the best place for me and I miss it so much.

Dr. Preeti Sharda: How the library is important for people belonging to your profession?

Mr. Raj Beniwal: Engineering is half-read in classes and another half in the library or its books. Lately, the internet has taken over the role of immediate reference and engineers now refer more on the net than a real book. Libraries are fast shifting from hard form to soft resources.

Dr. Preeti Sharda: What do you prefer more e-resources or print resources? 

Mr. Raj Beniwal: If it is profession related or urgent in nature, then it has to be e-resource in most cases for the ease of searching required material. Not everyone has access to a library but online material is everywhere. On a personal note, nothing can come close to that feeling of holding a real book in your hand and the smell of it.

Dr. Preeti Sharda: What are your expectations from a library?

Mr. Raj Beniwal: Libraries have come a long way and a long way still to go. The world is changing and new age people are drifting away from the hobby of reading. Parents need to encourage their children to read books beyond their school syllabus. E-books, audiobooks, and videos must be made available in libraries.