MM Central State Library
Patiala
Digital Resource for the Mega Heritage Walk
Patiala
Digital Resource for the Mega Heritage Walk
Discover hidden stories, explore rare architectural details, and experience the library as never before.
This website has been created by Patiala Foundation under the iHERITAGE initiative and is dedicated to the Musafir Memorial Central State Library, Patiala. It serves as a digital extension of the Heritage Walk, helping visitors explore the library’s rich history, architecture, and collections through an engaging virtual experience.
About
The Musafir Memorial Central State library was established in 1955 by the government of PEPSU as the Central Public Library and it was opened to the public on 23rd July 1956. In 1956, when PEPSU was merged with Punjab State, the library became State Library for the areas covered by the erstwhile PEPSU State, while the Central State Library, Chandigarh covered the old Punjab areas. On the reorganisation of the State of Punjab on 1 November 1966 , the Chandigarh Library became the State Library of Union Territory of Chandigarh and this library became the Central State Library of the reorganized Punjab. In 1978 , the library was renamed as Musafir Memorial Central State Library in honour of late Giani Gurmukh Singh Musafir, the 5th Chief Minister of Punjab. He was also a freedom fighter, Jathedar of Akal Takht, Member of Parliament, and a Sahitya Akademi Award Winner.[1]
It gives me immense pleasure to see esteemed organisations like the Patiala Foundation taking such a proactive role in preserving and promoting our state's rich heritage. I extend my heartiest congratulations to the Foundation and its iHeritage Project for organising this commendable heritage walk at the historic Musafir Memorial State Central Library. I encourage everyone to participate in this enlightening event. My best wishes to the Patiala Foundation for the grand success of this walk
-Smt. Anindita Mitra IAS
Administrative Secretary Higher Eduction & Languages, Government of Punjab
It gives me immense pride to welcome you to the MM Central State Library, a timeless institution that has nurtured knowledge, culture, and community for generations. Our library is not only a repository of rare manuscripts and treasured collections but also a living monument that reflects the intellectual and cultural spirit of Patiala. As we step into a new chapter of heritage engagement through initiatives like iHERITAGE KYC 2.0, we are committed to making this space more inclusive, interactive, and relevant to young minds. I invite you to explore our micro-site, discover hidden stories, and experience the library as a place where history, identity, and well-being converge.
-Dr. Charanjeet Kaur,
Chief Librarian, MM Central State Library
It is with great joy and pride that I dedicate this special digital portal for Musafir Memorial Central State Library, Patiala, developed by our team and talented SPJIMR interns under the iHERITAGE initiative of Patiala Foundation. Our mission has always been to foster community engagement and preserve the rich cultural legacy of Patiala and Punjab. This website is a step towards creating accessible and interactive platforms that celebrate our shared heritage, including the treasures, stories, and knowledge safeguarded by this historic institution. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Department of Higher Education and Languages for their vision and encouragement. Special thanks are due to the Administrative Secretary, whose guidance was instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. I also owe deep appreciation to the Chief Librarian and all library staff, whose support and openness made every stage of this journey possible. We look forward to this resource serving generations of learners, researchers, and heritage enthusiasts and to continued collaboration in celebrating the living legacy of Patiala.
-Ravee Singh Ahluwalia
Founder & C.E.O, Patiala Foundation
Explore the Sections for Virtual Tour
Route map of the MM Central State Library heritage walk
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Copyright Disclaimer
©️ 2025 Patiala Foundation. All rights reserved.
The text, images, and photographs on this website, including all photography commissioned for the Central State Library digital re purce, are owned exclusively by Patiala Foundation and /or the respective copyright holders as credited. Unauthorised misappropriation, downloading, reproduction, or commercial use of any photographs or image(s) from this website without written consent from Patiala Foundation is strictly prohibited and shall invite legal implications against the user.
Content about the history and details of the library is presented with gratitude and due credit to original sources and contributors, as referenced on relevant pages depicted in the data box. Requests for permission to reuse, reproduce, or feature any photograph or content from this website must be made in writing to Patiala Foundation.
For further information, contact: +91 9781000023 Email: contact@patialafoundation.org
This digital resource has been developed by Patiala Foundation under its iHERITAGE Initiative for the Mega Heritage Walk at Central State Library, Patiala, held on 9th November 2025. It was unveiled by Smt. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Department of Higher Education and Languages, Government of Punjab.
Patiala Foundation is an organisation in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations(UN-ECOSOC) since 2018.
For any queries, suggestions and for more information, visit www.patialafoundation.org/iheritage