PROF. S. R. RANGANATHAN (1892-1972), Padma Shri Award in 1957

Prof. Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan was a renowned Indian Librarian and Mathematician. He was born on August 12, 1892, in Shiyali, Tamil Nadu, India, and passed away on September 27, 1972. Prof. Ranganathan made significant contributions to the field of Library Science and is regarded as the "Father of Library Science in India." He developed several theories and principles that revolutionized library practices and cataloguing systems. Some of Prof. Ranganathan's notable contributions include: (i) Five Laws of Library Science: In 1931, Dr. Ranganathan proposed the Five Laws of Library Science, which provide a set of guiding principles for organizing and managing libraries. These laws focus on the user's perspective and emphasize the importance of accessibility, relevance, and efficiency in Library Services. (ii) Colon Classification: He devised the Colon Classification system, a systematic approach to Library Classification that utilizes symbols and notation. This system facilitates organising and retrieving library materials based on subject matter. (iii) Prolegomena to Library Classification: This work, published in 1937, comprehensively introduces the theory and practice of library classification. It laid the foundation for modern library classification systems and influenced Library Science education worldwide. His contributions to the field of Library Science have been recognized globally.

His scholarship and prodigious traits are well reflected in his numerous achievements, namely founding the Department of Library Science at the University of Delhi in 1946, INSDOC (now CSIR-NIScPR) (1952), the Documentation Research and Training Centre (1962), and the Indian Library Association (1933). He received D. Litt. degrees from the University of Delhi (1947) and Pittsburg University (1964). He was made the First National Research Professor of Library Science (1965) by the Government of India. For his outstanding contributions to Library Science, he was conferred the Padma Shri Award, one of India's highest civilian honour in 1957 for his exceptional achievements and contributions to the nation. He was honoured by issuing a Postal Stamp in his name in 1992. The Government of India also announced 12th August, his birthday, as National Librarian's Day in India. His work continues to inspire and guide librarians, researchers, and educators in the field of Library Science. His innovative ideas, revolutionary work, and vision have had a lasting impact on the development of libraries and information management systems worldwide. .

PROF. B. S. KESAVAN (1909-2000), Padma Shri Award in 1960

Prof. Bellary Shamanna Kesavan was the first Librarian of the newly established National Library of India, Kolkata (1947–1962). He is also known as the Father of the Indian National Bibliography, as it was first brought out under his leadership on August 15, 1958. Prof. Kesavan epitomized the essence of leadership, which is reflected in the development of the National Library of India, the establishment of INSDOC (now CSIR-NIScPR), and many other institutes and libraries. Prof. Kesavan was faculty in the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Delhi, from 1970 to 1972.

His multifaceted personality and scholarly writings are visualized in many fields of publications, such as Indian Science Abstracts, NUCSSI, Directory of Scientific Research Institutions in India and Wealth of India. He drafted and helped with the enactment of the Delivery of Books Act (1954) and instituted the Indian National Bibliography (1958) to showcase India's literary output and intellectual heritage. His pioneering services, dedication, and commitment earned him many accolades worldwide, namely as Vice President of the International Federation for Information and Documentation (FID) (1964–1966) and President of the Indian Library Association (ILA). In recognition of his outstanding service to the nation, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri award in 1960. He was born on May 10, 1909, and passed away on February 16, 2000, at the age of 91. The admirers and disciples of Prof. Kesavan have kept his vision alive by establishing the Kesavan Institute of Information and Knowledge Management (KIIKM) at Secunderabad (Telangana) for research and promotion in the field of Library and Information Science in India.

PROF. SYED BASHIRUDDIN (1902-1984) , Padma Shri Award in 1976

Prof. Syed Bashiruddin Ahmed is an internationally renowned Library professional and an excellent administrator. His contribution towards the development of the Library will always be remembered, he got the skill of developing libraries by visiting national and international institutions. He was the brain and soul behind developing the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) library into a knowledge hub at par with world-class libraries by strengthening its collection and renovating services. He also laid the foundation of education in Library Science at AMU in 1951, which has now grown into a world-class library education and research centre. He was also instrumental in establishing the Department of Library Science at Rajasthan University, Jaipur and served as its Director and University Librarian. He also served as the faculty in the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Delhi, from 1966 to 1967. In the sixties, he was requested to head the Delhi University Library, which he accepted and served the institution with his heart and soul. Prof. Bashiruddin was associated with many professional societies at national and international levels, such as a founder member of the Indian Library Association (ILA), the founder of the Uttar Pradesh Library Association (UPLA), and a member of many Commissions and Committees. He was a staunch advocate of women's working rights and supported them by offering them library jobs. He wrote extensively, published works in journals, and translated many rare pieces, the most notable being Russian stories in Urdu, namely 'Chheenk' - Sneeze; 'Shohrat' - Fame; and 'Sanjeeda'-Fitrat. The government of India awarded him Padma Shri in 1976 for his valuable and deterministic contribution towards the Library Profession. Prof. Bashiruddin was born in Orissa in 1902 and breathed his last on October 22, 1984.

PROF. P.N. KAULA (1924-2009), Padma Shri Award in 2004

Prof. Prithvi Nath Kaula was a pioneer and a leader in the field of librarianship in India and contributed to its development and recognition. He authored 60 books/monographs, 400 research articles, 6000 notes, and many more. As a true disciple of Dr S. R. Ranganathan, he carried forward the teachings of his mentor. He founded many journals, like the Library Herald (1958) and the Herald of Library Science (1962). Prof. Kaula was a faculty member in the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Delhi, from 1957 to 1960. Prof. Kaula started and promoted the Library Movement in India and, as a scholar, published the first concise history of modern Kashmir under the title Tasvir-e-Kashmir (1949). He was instrumental in establishing the Research Centre in Library Science in Havana and Cuba while working as a UNESCO expert in the UNESCO Regional Centre in the Western Hemisphere (1967). He was a member of numerous national and international commissions and committees. He had the privilege of drafting the Jammu and Kashmir University Library Plan. Also, he prepared a Library Development Plan for the Sri Pratap Public Library at the invitation of the then Education Commissioner of the Jammu and Kashmir Government. He was the recipient of numerous recognitions, such as the "Pro Mundi Beneficio Medal" of Brazil (1975), the "Deutsche Bucheria Medal" of the German Democratic Republic (1981), and the "International Roll of Honour Plaque" from the American Bibliographical Institute. The Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri Award (2004) for his outstanding contributions and services to Library and Information Science. His legacy is well preserved and promoted by disciples through the establishment of the Professor Kaula Endowment in Library and Information Science (1975), which has honoured many distinguished professionals of the world with the Kaula Gold Medal and a citation. Prof.Kaula was born on March 13, 1924, and passed away on August 30, 2009.