(By:K R Ishan)

Padamshri Prof. Prithvi Nath Kaula, a towering figure in the field of Library and Information Science, was born on March 13, 1924, in Haba Kadal, Srinagar, Kashmir. His journey from the tranquil valleys of Kashmir to becoming a world-renowned scholar in library science is a remarkable story of perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of knowledge. He is celebrated not only for his contributions to library science but also as one of the most prominent intellectuals to have emerged from the culturally rich and historically significant region of Kashmir.

Early Life and Education in Kashmir

Prof. Kaula’s roots in Kashmir were deep and integral to his development as an academic and professional. Born into a humble Kashmiri Pandit family, he grew up in a region known for its rich intellectual and cultural traditions. Kashmir, once a thriving center of learning, had a long history of scholars, poets, and philosophers, and Prof. Kaula was a product of this heritage.

As a child in Srinagar, he was exposed to the region’s rich literary traditions, which sparked his interest in knowledge and learning. Kashmir Valley was home to many great thinkers and institutions, including its many libraries that served as centers of intellectual exchange. Though it was a difficult time for the region during the era of his youth, with political upheaval and the partition of India in 1947, Prof. Kaula’s ambition to pursue knowledge transcended these challenges.

He received his early education in Srinagar, where his academic talents were evident. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue higher education at Punjab University (then in Lahore), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and Delhi University. It was during these formative years that his interest in library science was sparked, and he soon found his calling in the world of libraries and information management.

Transition from Kashmir to National Recognition

In 1945, with a deep desire to improve his professional skills, Prof. Kaula left Kashmir and moved to Madras (now Chennai) to study Library Science. The decision to leave his home and pursue a degree in a specialized field was not easy, but it was a necessary step toward his aspirations. After completing his studies, he returned to Srinagar and took up the position of librarian at DAV College in 1946, marking the beginning of his long and distinguished career in library science.

However, as the political situation in India changed dramatically with the partition in 1947, Prof. Kaula’s link to Kashmir became temporarily severed. Amidst the turmoil and violence that followed partition, the traditional connection between Kashmir and the rest of India was disrupted and travel between regions became difficult. Despite the challenges, Prof. Kaula’s resolve never faltered. He managed to move to Pilani, where he took up a higher-paying position as the librarian at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, before continuing his career at other prominent institutions.

Kashmir’s Influence on His Career

Although Prof. Kaula’s career took him far from his homeland, his Kashmiri roots remained a strong influence throughout his life. Kashmir, historically known for its great scholars, had shaped his intellectual foundation. The region’s legacy of learning, culture and spirituality had a lasting impact on his outlook and work, inspiring him to dedicate his life to the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge.

His commitment to the intellectual development of his native land was evident in his later work. In 1951, Prof. Kaula was offered the post of Inspector of Libraries by the government of Jammu and Kashmir, a position that had never existed before in the state. This role allowed him to influence library development across the region, ensuring that the rich traditions of learning in Kashmir were preserved and enhanced. He also contributed to the establishment of libraries and academic resources in Kashmir, understanding the vital role they play in shaping young minds and fostering an educated society.

The Kashmir Scholar on the Global Stage

Prof. Kaula’s work and reputation extended far beyond Kashmir. He went on to become the first person in the world to earn a Master’s degree in Library Science from Delhi University in 1949. He later held influential positions at Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and other academic institutions, leaving an indelible mark on the field of library science. His contributions to the development of library science were recognized internationally, and he became a UNESCO expert, traveling the world to share his knowledge.

Despite his success on the global stage, Prof. Kaula always remained connected to his Kashmiri heritage. His deep respect for his culture and roots was reflected in his academic endeavors, as he worked to integrate his regional identity into the broader professional landscape of library science. His work as an editor for the Kashmiri Pandit’s journal, Sharada, and his efforts to catalog works related to Kashmiri scholars and thinkers, further cemented his ties to the region.

A Legacy in Kashmir

Prof. Kaula’s legacy in Kashmir is not only academic but also cultural. As a visionary, he made significant strides in modernizing the region’s library system and his contributions continue to influence the educational and intellectual environment of Kashmir. His pioneering work in library science, particularly in cataloging and reclassifying thousands of books, set a global benchmark for excellence in the field.

His work as an educator and mentor, shaping future generations of library scientists, is one of his most lasting contributions. In addition, his establishment of the Ranganathan Endowment in Library Science in 1952, named after his mentor Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, is a testament to his commitment to education and intellectual growth.