Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (FN Representative) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday decided to set up a modern library and reading hall at Puri-Anugul bus stand in Badambadi of Cuttack district in memory of eminent freedom fighter and socialist leader late Biswanath Pandit. Patnaik also approved Rs 30,58,31,100 for the building. The stilt plus 3 floor library will have a 100 capacity auditorium, cafeteria, ample parking area apart from a wide stock of books and a conducive environment for learning. During the visit of Secretary (5T) V K Pandian to Cuttack, the locals had apprised about the immediate need of the library, in proximity to the bus stand for the benefit of those coming from nearby villages and towns.
Started in 1981 at Saheed Bhawan and later shifted to a new building at Khannagar in 1998, Biswanath Pandit library has always been the desired destination for book lovers and researchers alike. People from nearby areas also visited the library for its extensive collection of books. The library had been shifted to the Odisha Administrative Tribunal (OAT) near Judicial Academy due to construction of the Cuttack Netaji Bus Terminal. Late Biswanath Pandit, born at Dagarpada in Cuttack, was imprisoned after joining the freedom struggle. Later he joined the socialist movement and worked to protect the interest of the oppressed and labourers for the rest of his life.