Saraswati Puja at the Central Bhavan

The Sarasvati Puja was organized at the Bhavan’s Munshi Sarasvati Granthagar (Bhavan’s Library), on Thursday, October 10, 2024. This puja is performed every year in Sharadiya Navaratri to seek Goddess Sarasvati’s blessings for Bhavan’s mission of promoting Indian culture and education.
Shri Vishwanath Sachdev (Eminent Hindi Litterateur and Editor, Bhavan’s Hindi Monthly “Navneet”) performed the Puja as the host. Dr. Hitesh Trivedi, Assistant Director, Bhavan’s P.G. & Research Dept., conducted the rituals of the Puja as the priest. Shri Ramesh Oza, Ms. Niyati Shah, Smt. Anjali Ambekar, Smt. Heena Sarang, Smt. Dhanashree Ghadge, Smt. Pratiksha Visawadia and other staff members of the Library participated in this puja.
Shri Jagdish Lakhani (Joint Executive Secretary & Registrar, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan), Dr. Rajendra Singh, Shri S.V.Vaid, Shri Yogesh Kamdar, Shri Ramesh Kumar, Shri P. M. Madkaikar, Shri Deepak Doshi, Shri K K Jha, Dr. S. G. Mishra, other staff members of the Bhavan’s various institutes and departments and library members attended the function and offered floral tributes to Goddess Sarasvati. Moreover, our library patron Shri Anil Joshi (renowned Gujarati poet and essayist), and our library members participated in the Puja.

Saraswati Puja at the Central Bhavan

The Sarasvati Puja was organized at the Bhavan’s Munshi Sarasvati Granthagar (Bhavan’s Library), on Saturday, 21st October, 2023. This puja is organized every year in Sharadiya Navaratri for seeking Goddess Sarasvati’s blessings for Bhavan’s mission of the promotion of Indian culture and education.
Prof. Dr. Urmi Desai (renowned Gujarati writer and linguist from Mumbai), the senior member of Bhavan’s Library, performed the Puja as the host. Dr. Hitesh Trivedi, Assistant Director, Bhavan’s P.G. & Research Dept., conducted the rituals of the Puja, as the priest. Shri Ramesh Oza, Ms. Niyati Shah, Smt. Anjali Ambekar, Smt. Heena Sarang, Smt. Dhanashree Ghadge and other staff-members of the Library participated in this puja.
Shri I.R.Khandwala, Shri Jagdish Lakhani (Joint Executive Secretary & Registrar), Dr. Rajendra Singh, Shri S.V.Vaid, Shri Ramesh Kumar, Dr. Girish B Jani, Shri Yogesh Kamdar, Shri P. M. Madkaikar, Shri Deepak Doshi, Shri Ajeenkya Sampat, Shri Sharad Joshi, Dr. Shantaj Deshbhratar, Shri S. P. Sonar and other staff-members of the Bhavan’s various institutes and departments attended the function and offered floral tributes to Goddess Sarasvati.

Saraswati Puja at the Central Bhavan

The Saraswati Puja was organized at the Bhavan's Munshi Saraswati Granthagar (Bhavan's Library), on Monday, 3^rd October, 2022. This Puja is organized every year in Sharadiya Navaratri for seeking Goddess Saraswati's blessings for progress and prosperity of the Bhavan's mission of the promotion of education.
Shri Jagdish Lakhani, Joint Executive Secretary & Registrar, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, performed the Puja as the host. Shri Hitesh Trivedi, Assistant Director, Bhavan's P. G & Research Dept., conducted the rituals of the Puja, as the priest. Shri Ramesh Oza, Ms. Niyati Shah, Smt. Anjali Ambekar, Smt. Heena Sarang, Smt. Dhanashree Ghadge, and other staff-members of the Library participated in this Puja.
Shri I. R. Khandwala, Dr. Rajendra Singh, Dr. Girish B. Jani, Shri Yogesh Kamdar, Shri P. M. Madkaikar, Shri S. V. Vaid, Shri Deepak Doshi, Shri Ramesh Kumar, Shri Niranjan Mehta, Shri Lalit Shah, Shri Ajeenkya Sampat,, Dr. Ganapati V. Hegde, Smt Meera Chikhalikar, other staff-members of the Bhavan, Dr. Urmi Desai, Ms. Aban Mukherji, a few library-members, and Prof. Dr. L. N. Pandey, Director, Central Sanskrit University, K. J. Somaiya Campus, Vidyavihar, Mumbai, attended the function and offered floral tribute to Goddess Saraswati.

Hind Swaraj Quiz

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Bhavan's Munshi Saraswati Mandir Granthagar (Bhavan's Library) once again conducted an Online Quiz based on Gandhiji's famous book 'Hind Swaraj' during the month of October 2022. To further extend its reach, the Quiz was was made available in Gujarati too this year. The Quiz was hosted on the Bhavan's Library website https://bhavanslibrary.org
The Quiz consisted of 8 Levels, each containing 10 multiple choice questions, designed to help one understand the book deeply and clearly. The Quiz provided an interesting opportunity to know Gandhiji's thoughts and views on various aspects of life as expressed in this book. The Quiz was open to all and participation in the Quiz was specifically invited from various schools. Participants who completed 5 or more levels were offered Gandhiji's book(s) - The Mind of Mahatma Gandhi, An Autobiography (in English and Gujarati), India of My Dreams (in English and Gujarati), The Essence of Hinduism – as prizes.
More than 1000 people registered and participated in the quiz. Out of which, more than 90 participants qualified as winners completing 5 levels or more. More than 250 participants completed upto 4 levels. Digital Certifcates were issued to all of these participants.
Considering the response, the Quiz has been retained on the website https://bhavanslibrary.org to encourage more people to understand this book 'Hind Swaraj'.

Saraswati Puja at the Central Bhavan

The Saraswati Puja was organized at the Bhavan's Munshi Saraswati Granthagar (Bhavan's Library), on Monday, 11-10-2021. This Puja is organized every year in Sharadiya Navaratri for seeking Goddess Saraswati's blessings for progress and prosperity of the Bhavan's mission of the promotion of education. Shri P.M. Madkaikar, Chief Accountant, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, performed the Puja as the host. Shri Hitesh Trivedi, Assistant, Bhavan's P.G. & Research Dept., conducted the rituals of the Puja, as the Priest. Shri Ramesh Oza, Ms. Niyati Shah, Smt. Anjali K. Ambekar, Mrs. Heena Sarang, Mrs. Dhanashree Ghadge, and other staff-members of the Library participated in this Puja. Shri I.R. Khandwala, Shri Jagdish Lakhani, Dr. Rajendra Singh, Shri Yogesh Kamdar, Shri S.V. Vaid, Dr. Girish B. Jani, Dr. Ganapati V. Hegde, Shri Ramesh Kumar and other staff-members of the Bhavan attended the function and offered floral tributes to Goddess Saraswati.

Hind Swaraj Quiz

On October 2, 2021, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Bhavan's Munshi Saraswati Granthagar (Bhavan's Library) conducted a Hind Swaraj Quiz online based on the famous book, 'Hind Swaraj' by Gandhiji. The quiz was hosted on the Bhavan's Library website https://bhavanslibrary.org. The Quiz that consisted of 8 Levels was designed to help one understand the book 'Hind Swaraj' more deeply. More than 900 people registered and participated in the quiz. 100 lucky winners were given the option to select one of the books, The Ramayana, The Mahabharata and The Srimad Bhagavatam written by Kamala Subramaniam and published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. On popular demand, the quiz was extended till 7th October. The quiz received a lot of feedback and appreciation. Participants thanked the Bhavan's team for arranging the contest and giving them an opportunity. Considering the feedback, the quiz has been retained on the website https:/quiz.bhavanslibrary.org to encourage more people to understand the book 'Hind Swaraj'.

Saraswati Puja at the Central Bhavan

The Saraswati Puja was performed on Friday 4^th October 2019; at the Munshi Saraswati Mandir Granthagar (Bhavan's Library), Central Bhavan, Mumbai. On this occasion, a few books on Goddess Saraswati were displayed. Mr and Mrs Krishnakumar Vahalia, Members of Bhavan's Library and Library staff performed the Saraswati Puja. Trusty and Hon. Treasurer Shri. I. R. Khandwalaji and senior officers, staff members of the Bhavan, and the members of Bhavan's Library, attended the puja, and paid floral tributes to Goddess Sarasawati.

Library Website and Koha catalogue relaunched
The Library launched a redesigned website, www.bhavanslibrary.org which has details of the library collection, membership options, tools to search the Online Catalogue, and various ways for members and prospective members to interact with the Library. An online chat facility has also been added to provide instant response to readers' inquiries and queries. New content like Online Book Displays featuring books on specific themes, interactive Quiz, Books Highlights, etc. are added on a regular basis.
The Library Catalogue has been available online using Koha software. The entire Catalogue has now been redesigned which has 60,000 book records and is searchable by author, subject and keywords. The Catalogue is placed on a cloud server with 24x7 access and is available on www.bhavanslibrary.com. More book records are being added on a regular basis.

Saraswati Puja at the Central Bhavan

Shri V. V. Bhaskaranji and Miss Tina Daftary

The Saraswati Puja was performed on Monday 15^th October 2018; at the Munshi Saraswati Mandir Granthagar (Bhavan's Library), Central Bhavan, Mumbai. On this occasion few books on Goddess Saraswati were displayed.
Shri. V. V. Bhaskaran, Director Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan; Mrs. Anjali Ambekar, Librarian, Bhavan's Library, and her colleague Miss Tina Daftary performed the Saraswati Puja. The senior officers, staff members of the Bhavan, and the members of Bhavan's Library, attended the puja, and paid floral tributes to Goddess Sarasawati.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: 15 November 2018 (Volume 65, Issue 7)

The Pillars of Bombay School Remembered
Mr. Sandeep Dahisarkar, Researcher and Curator, Bhavan's Library, delivered a talk on 'Rao Bahadur M. V. Dhurandhar and Rao Bahadur G. K. Mhatre: The Two Pillars of Bombay School with Special Reference to Baroda State' on 20^th November, 2017, at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara.
The talk was organised as a part of the Heritage Week (18^th-26^th Nov., 2017), for the Vadodara People's Heritage festival. In his talk, Shri. Sandeep Dahisarkar highlighted the lives of the famous painter, Rao Bahadur M. V. Dhurandhar and the well-known sculptor Rao Bahadur G. K. Mhatre, and discussed various aspects of their work. He also appreciated the role of patronage of Baroda State in promoting Bombay School of Art.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: 15 February 2018 (Volume 64, Issue 13)

Workshop on 'Introduction to Manuscriptology'
A two-day workshop on 'Introduction to Manuscriptology' was organised by Dept. of Sanskrit, Bhavan's Hazarimal Somani College, Mumbai, on 30-11-2015 and 1-12-2015.
Smt.Anjali Ambekar, Librarian, Bhavan's Library, conducted the 4^th session on 'Preservation, conservation and cataloguing of Manuscripts.' She discussed various aspects of preservation and conservation of manuscripts, traditional and modern methods of conservation, difference between cataloguing printed books and manuscript catalogues, and importance of special features of manuscript catalogues.
The 5^th session on 'Practicals of handling and preservating Manuscripts' was conducted by Smt.Anjali Ambekar, at the Bhavan's Library. She introduced the manuscripts collection of the Library, showed the usage of Neem and tobacco leaves and other substances made for preservation of manuscripts, and also demonstrated the use of fumigation chamber. She also referred to various indigenous methods involving the use of camphor, turmeric, smoke of herbal Dhupa etc. practised for preservation of manuscripts.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: 29 February 2016 (Volume 62, Issue 14)

Saraswati Puja performed as a part of Navaratri celebration, at the Bhavan's Munshi Saraswati Mandir Granthagar (Bhavan's Library) arranged at Central Bhavan on Friday, October 11, 2013, at 12.30 pm. On this occasion sacred books were displayed. The senior officers, staff members of the Bhavan participated in the celebration.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: November 15, 2013 (Volume 59, Issue 7)

www.bhavan.info Relaunched
The updated website of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai www.bhavans.info was launched on August 22, 2012 by Shri H. N. Dastur, Executive Secretary and Director General at the Gita Mandir Hall, Bhavan Mumbai.The program began with a prayer by Prof. G. B. Jani, Addl. Director, Bhavan's PG and Research Dept. and introductory remarks were made by Shri Yogesh Kamdar, Joint Director. Shri Kamlesh Mota, Director of Programmes, Kala Kendra gave a brief review of the various sections of the website. As a part of the modernisation of Bhavan's library, the website www.bhavanslibrary.org was also launched at the same function. The library has standardised its operations by adopting Koha Library Management System. The entire library catalogue including the collection in Sanskrit and other languages is now available online.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: October 31, 2012

Saraswati Puja at the Bhavan's Library
Saraswati Puja was performed at the Munshi Saraswati Mandir Granthagar (Bhavan's Library) at Central Bhavan on Wednesday October 8, 2008. On this occasion sacred books, and informative write-ups on Navaratri festival, Saraswati puja and Vijayadashami were displayed. Senior officers and staff members of the Central Bhavan participated in the celebration.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: November 30, 2008

Urvashiben Bhatt Retires
The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan gave a farewell to Miss Urvashiben Bhatt, librarian of the Central Bhavan who retired after 28 years' service, on March 31, 2005. Bhavan's President Shri Pravinchandra V. Gandhi, blessed Urvashiben for an active and healthy life and presented her a memento as a token of appreciation . Shri Dhiru S. Mehta, the Executive Secretary and Director General, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and Shri H.N. Dastur, the Jt. Executive Secretary of the Bhavan also added grace to the function with their presence. Prof. S. A. Upadhyaya, the Director of Bhavan's P.G. & Research Dept., stressed on the importance of the role of the library and librarian in the cultural and educational activities of Institutions like the Bhavan. Smt. Heena Sarang and Shri Ravi Belekar expressed their best wishes to her. Miss Bhatt thanked the Bhavan and expressed her gratitude to the institution.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: May 31, 2005

Books Donated to Bhavan's Library
Shri Kirtan and Smt. Veena Dharia have donated about 400 precious books to Central Bhavan's library in Mumbai. Shri Dharia was imprisoned twice, in 1941 and in 1942, during the freedom struggle and each time he spent six months in prison. He participated in Vinobaji's Sarvodaya movement. Smt. Dharia was also committed to the freedom movement from childhood, and both her father, Shri Bhaiji Bhai Bhavsar, and her brother, were involved in the struggle.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: October 31 1999

Obituary
Ramjore Dhuria
We regret to record the death of Shri Ramjore Dhuria, an employee of the Central Bhavan on August 24, 1995 at the J.J. Hospital. Bombay. He was 53. Shri Dhuria joined the Bhavan on September 16. 1967 and had been working as an attendant first in Bhavan's Saraswati Mandir Granthaghar (Library) and later in the Sangeet and Nartan Sikshaapeeth. He was a gentle, silent and sincere worker. At a condolence meeting held at the Bhavan on August 28, appreciative references were made to Shri Dhuria's sense of dedication. Among the speakers were Pandit Dinkar Kaikini, Hon. Director of the Sangeet and Nartan Shikshapeeth, Smt. Shashikala D. Kaikini, Principal and Smt. Heena lbrahim Sarang, Asst. Librarian.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: October 15, 1995

Dr. Schumann's Talk on Buddhism
Dr. H.W. Schumann, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany delivered a talk on Karma and Rebirth in Indian Religions on 31, March, 1990 at the Bhavan's Auditorium. He traced the concept of Rebirth in astika and nastika schools of Indian Philosophy.
Earlier he visited the Bhavan's library and appreciated its lndological collection particularly the Buddhist collection of rare books.
Prof. S. A. Upadhyaya Joint Director (Academic) welcomed the speaker and Dr. K.P. Jog proposed a vote of thanks.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: July 31, 1990

Descriptive Catalogue of Manuscripts
THE Bhavan has taken up the preparation and publication of a Descriptive Catalogue of rare Manuscripts (1500) in the Central Home Library in Bombay. The Government of India has extended 75% financial assistance. Dr. M. B. Warnekar, Officer on Spécial Duty, is in charge of the project. This is a time-bound project scheduled to be completed in one year.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: September 1, 1984

Bal Pustakalaya's Annual Day
THE Bhavan's Sheth Vallabhii Ramji Bal Pustakalaya (Children's Library), Bombay, celebrated its 21^st Annual Day, on February 22, 1978. Shri Champak Shah, a Life Member of the Bhavan's Library, and a man of deep culture, presided over the function. Shri Shah recalled his long association with the Bhavan and said that he had high regards for "Bal Pustakalaya" which renders excellent service to children.

He was happy to see the blooming faces of the children, who made full use of the books and periodicals and actively participated in the games and other activities of the Library. He wished all of them a very bright career. The programme ended with a Film Show.
A tiny tot garlandlng Shri Shah. Dr. N.l. Pandya. Bhavan's Chief Librarian, is at right.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: March 26, 1978

Shri Tikekar has been closely associated with the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan for many years. Indeed, he is one of us. He has often contributed to the "Bhavan's Journal" and has taught at the Bhavan's Rajendra Prasad Institute of Mass Communication.
Shri Tikekar has donated his extraordinary collection of most valuable books to the Bhavan's Library. We at the Bhavan consider it not only as a most substantial addition to our books but also deem it a great honour. To Shri Tikekar, books are living and vibrant, 'to be treated with tender care and love. When our Prof. S.A. Upadhyaya and Dr.N.I. Pandya called on him to bring the donated books to our Library, Shri Tikekar specifically told them to handle books with "fond care and great delicacy and never to tie them with string."

Source: Bhavan's Journal: August 29, 1976

V. R. Bal Pustakalaya
Bhavan's "Sheth Sri Vallabhji Ramji Bal Pustakalaya" (Children's Section of the Munshi Saraswati Mandir) celebrated its 19^th Annual Day, in the Bhavan's Library on February 2.
Shri Jagdish Khimani, noted industrialist and a Life Member of the Bhavan's Library, presided over the function.
The programme which began with the Bhavan's prayer, was followed by presentation of report. The President in his interesting and inspiring speech stressed the importance of Bal Pustakalaya and paid compliments to the organisers for running such a Bal Pustakalaya for more than 25 years, especially in view of the fact that there were hardly four or five such Bal Pustakalayas in the great City of Bombay.
He also advised the children to take maximum advantage of the Bal Pustakalaya. The prizes were then distributed by the President who also donated Rs.101 to the Bal Pustakalaya in addition to sweets.
The programme concluded with a film show which was enjoyed by the children.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: March 28, 1976

Donation To Bhavan's Library
Shri Vasant R. Dalal of Messrs. Dalal & Shah has donated 447 valuable books of his late father, Shri R.K. Dalal, to the Munshi Saraswati Mandir, Bhavan's Library in Bombay. Shri Dalal was an intellectual of outstanding calibre and a great friend and well-wisher of Bhavan.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: February 15, 1976

Letter by Smt. Lilavati Mushi.
0n the 28^th morning about 25 members of a Parliamentary delegation who had come to Bombay to inspect different libraries, came to visit the Bhavan's Library too.
I welcomed them and showed them round. They were very much pleased. I gave them the following information about the Bhavan's Library.

"The Bhavan's Library established in 1949 is also known as Munshi Saraswati Mandir Granthaghar. The Library is having about 70,000 books and about 1,500 MSS. The Library is getting over 200 periodicals and journals. It has a Specialised collection on Indology. The Sanskrit collection of this Library is very rich and there are also many books in other oriental languages. It has a section of rare and valuable books. Some of these and our publications are displayed in this hall today for you to see. It has also a small collection of paintings and coins.
This is a Public Library in the sense that it is open to anyone who is willing to pay a deposit and subscription.
There are over 1,000 members taking advantage of this Library, which works throughout the year from 8.30 A.M. to 8.00 P.M. except on Mondays and a few Bank holidays.
The Library also provides facility to members for reading their own books in the Library over and above Library books. The Library has accepted Inter Library Loan system and is lending and getting books from different libaries located in different parts of India. The queries received personally and through post and telephones are replied. Nothing is charged from anyone who comes for a reference for a day or two, or from research scholars coming for their research projects from different parts of India.
Vallabhaji Ramji Balpustakalay (Children's Library) founded in the year 1950 is attached to the Granthaghar. It has about 7,000 books. The subscription for the membership is only 25 paise per month. A member is entitled to borrow one book and one periodical at a time. It also provides games to the children members. There are about 200 members of this Library."

I have nothing more to add except that please inspire me with wisdom and courage, atleast the courage to serve the Bhavan - your creation - to the last of my breath inspite of all the difficulties one may have to face.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: October 14, 1973

Deligation of MPs at The Bhavan
A delegation of M.P.s led by Shri Amarnath Vidyalankar and constituting the Parliament Committee on National Libraries Bill, visited the Bhavan on September 28. Smt. Lilavati Munshi, President of the Bhavan, took them round the Bhavan's library (Saraswati Mandir) and showed some rare manuscripts, scrolls, books etc. that were part of the Library's wealth. Thanking the Bhavan for the hospitality shown to the Committee, Shri Amarnath Vidyalankar praised the work of the Bhavan, in particular, its library and publications division. Most of the books in the Bhavan's library and those published by the Bhavan were on Indology, religion, Indian culture and literature and by this the Bhavan contributed much to the enrichment and preservation of traditional Indian culture, he added.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: September 30, 1973

Donation to Bhavan's Library
Shri R. P Bhoopatkar, of Bombay has donated a valuable collection of 547 books to the Bhavan's Library in memory of his father Dr. Popatlal Bhoopatkar. Dr. P Bhoopatkar was a lover of books. He was also a member of the Bhavan's Library for a long time and used to take keen interest in building the Library's collection.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: September 2, 1973

Donation to Bhavans Library
A valuable donation of 350 books, along with a steel cupboard has been received by the Bhavan's Public Library in Bombay from the late Smt. Lakshmiben Arjun Somaiya through the executors of her will. Smt. Lakshmiben was a daughter of Shri Vallabhji Ramji, who had given a munificent donation in cash to the Bhavan's Vallabhji Ramji Children's Library. The Bhavan pays its respectful homage to Smt. Lakshmiben, who even in her last moments, thought of its Library and, following the footsteps of her illustrious father, offered it a generous donation.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: June 24, 1973

Shri Jagjivandas Dosabhai Lakhani No More
Shri Jagjivandas Dosabhai Lakhani, a founder-member of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, passed away on May 28, 1972 at the age of 81. Shri Lakhani was a close friend and associate of Shri Munshiji. He had taken an active part in founding the Bhavan. He was one of the early treasurers of the Bhavan.
His collection of books on various subjects has been donated to the Bhavan's library.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: July 9, 1972

Addition To Bhavan's Library
Smt. Shantiben Barfiwala of Bombay has donated to the Bhavan's Library a valuable collection of 692 Gujarati and Hindi books. Besides some rare Gujarati books, the major attraction of the collection is a rich variety of books on Music which has specially enriched the Library. These books on musicology, it is hoped, will be helpful to students doing research on the "Study and Teaching of Music in Gujarati."

Source: Bhavan's Journal: April 2, 1972

Cooler For the Bhavan's Library
Dr. (Miss) Haribehn Motilal Kanji of Bombay has donated a big Water Cooler costing about Rs. 6,000/- to the Bhavan's Library (Munshi Saraswati Mandir) in memory of her late sister Anubehn Manikant. The gift, which will be of great help to the students, scholars and members making use of the library, is very much appreciated.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: January 9, 1972

Dr. A.D.Pusalkar Donates Rare Books To Bhavan
Dr. A.D Pusalkar, noted Indologist, has donated a valuable collection of his books to Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's library in Bombay. In this collection of nearly 500 books, some rare books on History, Philosophy, Religion, Indology and Literature are included. These books will be helpful to scholars and research students who patronise the library.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: November 28,1971

Bhavan's Library
A valuable collection of 160 books, forming part of the private collections of the late Sir Harsiddhbhai Divatia. who was the Vice-President of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan ever since its inception has been donated by Smt.Jollybehn Divatia to the Bhavan's Library, in memory of Sir H.V Divatia, together with a cupboard for keeping the collection. Among the books donated are rare Gujarati works.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: May 17, 1970

Donation To Bhavan's Library
About 400 valuable books and two wooden cupboards have been donated by Srimati D.K Mulchand of Bombay to the Bhavan's library. The books form part of the rich collection of Sri D.K Mulchand, who had expressed a specific desire, in his last moments, that a part of his valuable collection should be donated to the Bhavan's Library.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: November 17, 1968

Children's Library
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Sheth Sri V.R Children's Library celebrated its 11^th annual day by presenting an entertainment programme which was presided by Smt. Lilavati Munshi. Smt. Laxmibahen Somaiya and Principal S.M Parekh were also present. More than thirty boys participated in the function. Amongst the child artistes Sri Sunil Lakdawala on Tabla and Sri Gaurang Barot on flute were outstanding.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: January 1, 1967

Donation to Bhavan's Library
Sri Jagjiwandas Dossabhai has donated a precious collection of about 400 books to Sri Munshi Saraswati Mandir Granthagar (Bhavan's Library), Bombay.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: November 20, 1966

Bhavan's Children's Library
The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Seth Vallabhji Ramji Children's Library observed its ninth annual day celebrations on March 15, at the Bhavan's Gita Mandir, Bombay. Smt. Lilavati Munshi presided.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: April 11, 1965

Donation to Bhavan's Library
A valuable collection of about 700 books has been donated to Bhavan's Library by Smt. B.N Motiwala in memory of her husband, the late Sri B.N Motiwala, one of the outstanding social workers of Bombay.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: March 14, 1965

From the report presented as part of the 27^th Foundation Day celebrations.
"Donations to the Bhavan's Library of collections of books and periodicals numbering about 1500 by two donors. Shri Shantilal Hiralal Shah and Sri C. B Motiwala."

Source: Bhavan's Journal: January 17, 1965

Donation to Bhavan's Library
A valuable collection of about 1000 books and periodicals, belonging to the late Sri Hiralal Amritlal Shah, Bombay, a great Indologist and scholar, has been donated to the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Library by his son Sri Shantilal Hiralal Shah. The collection is mainly of books on Astronomy, Astrology, Ayurveda, Jainism, Philosophy, Religion, Sanskrit Literature, Music, etc.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: October 11, 1964

Library Week
The last day of the Library Week coincided with the Gandhi Jayanti Celebrations. Smt. Lilavati Munshi, Chairman of the Library Committee, who presided over the function, presented members who have been associated with the Bhavan's Library for over ten years with a copy of Prof. P.A Sorokin's book Reconstruction of Humanity. Dr. N.I Pandya, the Librarian, gave an account of the activities of the Bhavan's Library and said that the response from the public was quite encouraging.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: October 27, 1963

Library Week
In response to the call of the Maharashtra State Library Association, the Bhavan is celebrating the Library Week from September 25 to October 2, 1963 to focus the attention of the public on the library movement. There are on view valuable and outstanding acquisitions of the Bhavan's Library and educative posters and charts inculcating the library habit. To mark this occasion, those who enrol as members of the Bhavan's during the week will be given Library concessions, details of which can be had from the premises. Existing members who have a long record of continuous membership in the Library will be given token mementos of appreciations and there will be a get together of all members of the Bhavan's library on the last day.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: September 29, 1963

Children's Library
The seventh Annual Day of the Vallabhji Ramji Bal Pustakalaya was celebrated in the Gita Mandir of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in February and prizes were distributed in March. Several competitions and games like Musical Chair, Lemon and Spoon race, etc. were held according to different age groups and the children were also served with light refreshments thereafter. The unique feature of this year's celebration was the awarding of all the twenty prizes in the form of National Savings Stamps. This was highly appreciated by the prize-winners and received with the feeling of pleasure and satisfaction of contributing their mite for the defence of their motherland.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: April 28, 1963

Bhavan's Silver Jubilee, December 1962
a) Those donating Rs.1,000/- and above would be enrolled as Life Members of the Bhavan.
b) Those donating Rs.500/- and above would be enrolled as Life Members of the Bhavan's Library. Those who become Life Members of the Bhavan and the Bhavan's Library on this occasion will also be invited to be the Members of the Jubilee Committee.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: October 14, 1962

Felicitations
Sri N.I Pandya, the Chief Librarian of the Bhavan's Library, has been awarded the Ph.D degree by the Gujarat University for his thesis on Philosophical Currents in Mediaeval Gujarati Literature.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: April 15, 1962

Bal Pustakalaya Sheth Vallabhji Balpustakalaya - the Children's section of the Bhavan's library - celebrated its fifth Annual Day on the 15^th of January, 1961. Srimati Lilavati Munshi presided over the function which was attended by a large gathering of children and other guests, specially invited for the occasion. After the presidential address, Smt. Munshi distributed prizes to the winners of the competitions held earlier. At the end of the function there was a film show - 'JalDeep' - which interested the children particularly.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: February 5, 1961

From Sri. K.M Munshi's welcome speech at the 23^rd Foundation Day Celebrations 3 to 14 December, 1960:
"There were 65,000 volumes in the Library and its membership stood at 1056. The Children's Library had 7500 books."

Source: Bhavan's Journal: December 25, 1960

Children's Library
The Fourth Annual Day of the Vallabhji Ramji Children's Library attached to the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan conducted its celebrations last month. On December 11^th itself the sports items in connection with the celebrations were held and on the 19^th the film 'Jagriti' was exhibited to them. Smt. Lilavati Munshi who presided over the function distributed the Prizes. Speaking on the occasion she said that there is urgent need of children developing their physique and urged their parents to see that the children were fit both intellectually and physically. The celebrations ended with a screening of two films of educational interest.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: February 7, 1960

V. R. Balapustakalaya
The Children Section of the Bhavan's Library called the "Vallabhji Ramji Balpustakalaya", celebrated its third annual function on the 9^th February, 1959 under the Presidentship of Smt. Lilavati Munshi. The kids themselves arranged the function. The function started with prayers followed by the welcome speech of Sri Gautam Vora who won the first prize in the elocution competition arranged by the Library. Naina Hariyani gave a pleasing Manipuri Dance item while the mimicries of Ranjit Parekh set the audience rolling with laughter. Bharat gave a music item and the Drama staged by the children was very entertaining. Prizes were distributed by the President.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: March 8, 1959

From the Progress Report of Sri. J. H Dave, Hon. Director, at the 11^th Annual Convocation of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan on November 10, 1957.
"The Bhavan's Library, with its 60,000 volumes, has a readership of 1000."

Source: Bhavan's Journal: December 01, 1957

The Annual Gathering of the Children Section of the Bhavan's Library was held in the Gita Mandir Hall of the Bhavan in the afternoon on the 1^st January 1957.
The function started with Musical chair for children from 8 to 10 years. It was followed by the same item for the children between 11 and 14 years. Then the following items of sports took place:

• Tailing the Donkey
• Memory Test
• Throwing the Ball
• Throwing the Ring
• "Matala fool", etc.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: March 10, 1957

"A well equipped Library containing over 50,000 volumes including valuable Indological books, a Museum of valuable manuscripts, coins and paintings for scholars to refer..."

Source: Bhavan's Journal: January 27, 1957

Our Kulapati has also presented to the Library books worth Rs.7,175/-.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: January 30, 1955

The Government of India has been pleased to give a loan of Rs.50,000 without interest for our History Scheme and a special grant of Rs.10,000 for our Research Library.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: January 16, 1955

The starting of the Munshi Saraswati Mandir with its varied cultural activities including the Library, Sangit Shikshapith and Kala Kendra in 1947.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: August 15, 1954

On September 1, 1939, the Mumbadevi Sanskrit Pathashala was opened as part of the Bhavan, with the help of the Mumbadevi Trust. In 1940, Shri Nagardas Rughnathdas Jyotish Shikshapith was founded, and the beginnings of a library were made.

Source: Bhavan's Journal: August 15, 1954