By Bhabana Nyoupane Kathmandu, September 3: The 17th National Library Day and Russian Knowledge Day were held at the Russian House in Kathmandu under the slogan “Library for Continuous Education”. Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Bidhya Bhattarai was the chief guest of the event. The Russian Embassy in Nepal was represented by the Press Secretary, Ms. Alena Danilova. The program was chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Bishwo Babu Pudasaini. Ganesh Shah, the former minister was also present on the occasion. Approximately 300 participants, including librarians, library advocates, and library enthusiasts, attended the event. The Director of the Russian House in Kathmandu noted: “Throughout Russia, September 1 is Knowledge Day, marking the beginning of the school and college sessions. On this day, people celebrate by exchanging flowers and sharing in the joy of learning”. He also mentioned that the Russian government offers scholarship programs for students from Nepal, and individuals aspiring to study library science in Russia can also benefit from this opportunity. Other speakers addressed a range of topics, including planning and policy for libraries, the integration of technology, the importance of knowledge and education, the significance of libraries, the challenges they face today, and the vital role that libraries play. A part of the program was dedicated to presenting letters of appreciation to the best library, its advocates, and workers. In fact, knowledge has the ability to purify the soul, leading to profound changes in people's lives, while education represents one of the most significant gifts we can offer to society. By implementing strategic initiatives and fostering a culture of reading and learning, libraries can play a crucial role in national development and empowering individuals. This program has developed into an important venue for Russia and Nepal to share viewpoints on crucial initiatives while also providing an opportunity to participate in celebrations, discussions, and the development of contacts. People's News Monitoring Service.