Phoenix Library-A Treasure-trove of Priceless Books

Some days ago, I visited the Phoenix Library, in connection with the promotion of my Creative writing Workshop. I was slightly taken aback by the sight of an apartment rented out to the library, choc-a-bloc with books of all kinds. I felt just like Alibaba, when he chanced upon the treasure-trove in a cave. After my eyes got accustomed to the sight, out came a diminutive, sprightly, elderly gentleman named Mr. J.N.Ponda; the founder and owner of the library. He warmly greeted me and my husband and asked us to be seated.

I gave him the material related to my workshop and requested him to display the poster on the entrance door to the library and even in his Housing Society, and he graciously agreed. Then he took us on a conducted tour of his library. Pride was evident on his face as he patiently showed us around, pointing out the authors’ collections, genres and bound books of reputed publications; which were stacked from floor to ceiling, on shelves, packed in plastic, see-through boxes, suitcases, tins and trays. Everywhere, in all the three rooms, we could see books of all kinds. The terrace also holds these treasures; protected by tarpaulin. The books have to be guarded against termites and rodents hence pest-control is a must. Due to severe space crunch, many old books are sold as scrap. A heart-wrenching decision, but unavoidable, in the given circumstances! (The new ownership premises of the library will soon be ready.)

When the owner nostalgically spoke about various authors and their works, we could sense how attached he was, to his collection. He has painstakingly preserved all the books in immaculate condition, over nearly 5 decades, by binding them with polythene covers. While binding, additional plain papers are inserted in the front and rear portions of the books. These are later used to paste clippings related to the topics of the concerned book. A rubber-stamp affixed on the front page carries a disclaimer stating that these clippings in no way, belittle the book’s contents or its author. Another rubber-stamp states that if that particular book is sold to a scrap-vendor, it should be considered as stolen from the library, as it has not been returned to it.

When I asked him about why the library only stocks English and Marathi titles and not Hindi ones, he said that the library being located in a pre-dominantly Maharashtrian locality, there were no takers for Hindi books. I told him that it was unfortunate as literary gems of great authors like Premchand, Rabindranath Tagore, etc. would not be available to the members. Besides, as Hindi is our National language, it would have been nice if Hindi books could also find pride of place there. But then, lack of readers, commercial concerns and space crunch make stocking them unviable for the library.

As he is ageing and not keeping good health, he wants to sell the library to someone, to preserve his legacy. He is even offering books as singles or a group, for sale. Since he isn’t techno-savvy, the catalogue is not computerized and the library has not been widely publicized. The members are old-time loyalists and others who are enrolling through word-of-mouth publicity, which itself must be impressive, as the library has 600 members. No wonder, we were pleasantly surprised when he modestly proclaimed that the library has been featured in the Limca Book of Records, 2014. We took some photo-copies of the relevant page, to distribute among our contacts.

I requested him to allow me to take a book back home, for reading and he readily agreed. The staff-member there, made an entry in the register. Then Sir started wrapping it carefully in a huge, thick polythene bag and secured it with a rubber-band. When I told him that I had my carry-bag, he insisted that I should carry the book as packed by him. This was the norm there. No wonder, with such meticulous care and strict instructions regarding handling of the books, all the books are pristine.

 I was almost scared to take that book in my hands. What if the book somehow got damaged, in the downpour while going home? was the thought that niggled at the back of my head while returning home. I decided to reimburse the library for the same, if that was unfortunately the case. Fortunately, the book has been read by me and is cozily ensconced in its wrapping, ready to be returned to the library.

He has another ten thousand books in his residence. I know how it would feel to even think about parting with such invaluable possessions which have been lovingly nurtured through most of one’s lifetime. It’s akin to giving away one’s baby! But I know that this decision of his has been a very well-considered decision and in the best interests of his beloved library and its dedicated staff and loyal members. He wishes that some Corporate House could take over the library and give it a new lease of life.

I wish that this legacy will be always available for book-lovers.

Currently, the membership fees are Rs. 700/- per month.

The copyright of this article is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

*************************************************************************************

On his request, I created and posted an ad on Olx.in, the text of which is given below.

Olx.in ad dt. 18072014

Renowned Phoenix Library offers priceless books for sale.

Category: Indian books/Famous

Phoenix Library is featured in the Limca Book of Records, 2014. It has a vast treasure-trove of books in all genres, approx. 37,750 in number. Both English and Marathi books are available, in very good condition, along with pasted clippings related to the topics of the books.

Due to space crunch, we have decided to part with some of our treasures to book-lovers who will value them forever.

So if you want to own this legacy, you may contact the owner, Mr.J.N. Ponda and negotiate on the price of the books that you would like to purchase.

Please call on number 9604129228 and visit the Library at the following address.

Phoenix Library

893, Sadashiv Peth,

Gadgil Street, Laxmi Niwas, Flat no.104,

Opp. Roma ladies' hostel, Pune

Timings: Sunday and Thursday: 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

                On odd dates (except  Sundays and Thursdays): 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The following write-up (extract) is courtesy, the Limca Book of Records, 2014:

Unique library

The Phoenix Library at Pune, established by J.N.Ponda on Oct.25, 1959 is one of those rare establishments where the knowledgeable owner takes personal interest in the books and the loyal customers, numbering about 600. The pages of books have clippings about the book and the author such as reviews pasted on them. The library has about 37,750 books in English and Marathi containing 3,07,150 pasted and 7,00,100 un-pasted clippings. There are 710 notebooks with related clippings as on June 30, 2013. It has 490 back issues of National Geographic Magazine and 155 issues of the now defunct Life magazine. Moreover, 24,400 advertisements are pasted in books. So whether it is for Catcher in the Rye or a Raymond Chandler classic, a Perry Mason or a book on tarot reading, Phoenix Library is the place to visit.
*******************************************************************************

List of recent additions to the Phoenix Library

1.      The Target- David Baldacci

2.      The Maharashtra Housing (Regulation and Development) Act – 2012

3.      The Bootlegger – Clive Cussler & Justin Scott.

4.      Corruption in India (The DNA & The RNA) – Bibek Debroy & Bhandari Laveesh

5.      Boomerang – Michael Lewis

6.      Flash Boys – Michael Lewis

7.      The Past at Present – Romila Thapar

8.      The Firm – Duff McDonald

9.      The Inside Story of McKinsey

1.  Narendra Modi – Andy Marino

1.  Centre stage  - Uday Mahurkar

.  Trouble in Mind – Jeffrey Deaver

.  Redesigning The Aeroplane While Flying – Arun Maira

.  Second Honeymoon – James Patterson & Howard Roughan.

.  Sahara (The Untold Story) – Tamal Bandopadhyay

1.  Think Like a Freak – Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner

1.  Field of Prey – John Sandford

.  The Son –

  Limca Book of Record (2014)

.  Annihilation of Caste – B.R. Ambedkar

.  The Silkworm – Robert Galbraith

.  Face Off – David Baklacci

.  The Substance And The Shadow – Dilip Kumar

2.  Fault In Our Stars – John Green

Should a below-average student be continuously promoted?

        Indian students often fare abysmally in International Tests of intelligence/ability. 

        Since the past 5 years schools have been promoting students up till the 8^th standard, without failing and detaining the under-performers.  This decision was taken by the Government of India vide the RTE Act, 2009.

        As per the ‘No Detention Policy’ no student will repeat a class for more than one academic year till the eight standard.

        While the intention behind the said decision was undoubtedly noble; that of easing the pressure on students due to the ranking system and trauma of failure, it seems to be boomeranging indirectly on the quality of education.

        Since the students are promoted to the higher classes in spite of poor performance, they lack incentive to study well or seriously enough.  One could say that going to school is like a breeze for students till they enter the 9^th standard.

        As all schools want the coveted 100% pass results in the board exams, the under-performing students are ‘failed’ finally in the 9^th standard.  This process of failure should have been done much earlier, so that those students could’ve probably repeated a year in the lower classes, grasped those subjects in which they were weak, again, and then confidently moved to the next, higher class.  Thus this system of auto-promotion is flawed.

        Once a student is retained in class 9 on account of failure, he/she has the option of repeating the class or appearing as an external student (subject to fulfilling the requisite criteria) and clearing the tenth standard exam.  Again, he has to join coaching classes for the tenth and grasp the subjects of the higher class when he is inept at learning the subjects of class nine!

        Let’s examine this issue from another perspective.  Won’t the student be more depressed on failing in the 9^th, as he has got used to clearing the exams of the lower classes; as a matter of ‘right’ or ‘entitlement’?  Won’t he/she feel isolated then as all his/her class-mates have progressed and he/she has been left behind in the rat-race?  Thus students’ lives are being harmed more, by this flawed decision.

        Then there’s plight of the teachers to be considered.  They have to keep dealing with weaker students in the higher classes; who may not be able to grasp the tougher advanced syllabus.  The teachers could end up feeling frustrated and disgruntled as they have to compulsorily promote the weak students; against their judgment of the students’ capability or lack of it!

        Some unscrupulous teachers could also take it easy and not work harder while teaching as they are assured that none of their students need to fail and hence their teaching ability will also not be questioned.  Their motivation to put in greater efforts in teaching will be lessened.

        When one looks at the class-work books of students, one can spot numerous errors in spellings, grammar, syntax and even illegible writing which is just not checked by the concerned teachers. The students learn the same erroneous matter over 9 years, from the 1^st to the 9^th, being none the wiser.

           Many students have poor reading and writing skills.  I have come across 5^th standard students who are not able to even read the questions on the question paper!  How will they answer them correctly then?

         Essay-writing is another casualty as students have not been taught to be creative in their thinking and are inept in expressing their thoughts on any given topic effectively.

        Comprehension and language skills are not developed fully.  Thus these students have a tough time during group discussions, job interviews and even basic interactions with others.

        Schools are primary centers of learning where one’s life is molded and nurtured.  The foundation of learning and assimilation of knowledge is laid down here.  If the foundation itself is weak and shaky, how will one have a stable future?

          Hence, to sum it up, continuous evaluation, assessment and remedial action in every grade is essential. This system of auto-promotion must be revised after due consultations with renowned academicians, parents’ associations, schools and other stake-holders; to stop further damage. After all, as the wise adage goes, “A stitch in time saves nine!”

*********************************************************************************

The copyright of this article is with Mrs.Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

    

The ‘real’ apparition

        We were seeing the Science Museum in the compound of Saheli-ki-badi, a historical site in Udaipur, renowned for its beautiful fountains that had been constructed as a summer resort for the Queens of yore.

        As we were browsing through the exhibits, we saw a door that looked like an antique and were admiring it.  Out of the blue, that door opened and out emerged an old, wrinkled man, walking upright, in the traditional Rajasthani attire of white dhoti, tight kurta, a cloth tied around his waist and a majestic turban. He was holding masonry equipment. He looked just like a model in a coffee-table book on Rajasthan.

        We were taken aback as he had suddenly appeared like an apparition and walked through that wooden ornate door that we thought had been an exhibit. It was a surreal moment and added an aura to our sight-seeing experience.  

        Now we knew what would happen if the past walked into the present!

******************************************************************************

The copyright of this write-up is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.