In this second episode of Patiala Foundation’s Voter Passport Podcast, we open up the pages of the Voter Passport and walk you through what it actually contains and how it will be used in schools and colleges. Listeners will hear how Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs) can organise student council-style elections, put up official election notices, run creative awareness activities, and even design a full model polling booth that competes with other school and college ELCs. The episode focuses on helping young people experience the full election cycle in a safe, learning-oriented environment so that, by the time they turn 18, voter registration, visiting a polling station and casting a vote feel natural and empowering. ‘VOTER PASSPORT’ is a concept and publication exclusively developed and owned by Patiala Foundation and is protected under its copyright.

Patiala Foundation’s Voter Passport Podcast is a youth-focused audio series created to build a culture of informed, responsible voting among students and first-time voters. Through simple conversations, real-life examples and school/college activities, the podcast explains elections, Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs), council elections, voter registration, EVM/VVPAT, ethical voting and the innovative Voter Passport initiative. Each episode is designed to spark a sense of responsibility, encourage discussion at home and in classrooms, and help young citizens move step by step from ‘future voter’ to ‘confident, active voter’. ‘VOTER PASSPORT’ is a concept and publication exclusively developed and owned by Patiala Foundation and is protected under its copyright.

Welcome to the Musafir Memorial Central State Library, Patiala — your gateway to history, knowledge, and culture. Here’s how you can begin your iHERITAGE Digital Heritage Walk.

Start your tour by following the route mentioned on the website — either from the Virtual Tour page or the Home page.

As you explore the library, you’ll come across several key stops — the Entrance, Reading Hall, Lending Section, Manuscript Hall, Lecture Hall, Children’s Section, and Auditorium.

At each stop, look for the QR code stand placed nearby.

Simply open your smartphone camera and scan the numbered QR code at each Pause Point.

Each code follows the VIBGYOR colour theme to help you stay on track —

for example:

Foyer – Violet,

Reading Hall – Indigo,

Lending Section – Blue,

and so on.

Once scanned, the code will take you to a virtual view and information page — where you can explore images, videos, and fascinating stories about that section’s history and collections. Continue along the route, scanning each code in order — and enjoy a seamless, colorful journey through the library’s legacy.

To begin your walk, scan the first QR code located at the Entrance or Foyer area, marked as your Pause Point One.

Enjoy discovering the heritage and heart of this iconic library.

Happy walking!

The ManuscriptHall of the M.M. Central State Library holds a treasure of raremanuscripts, handwritten texts, and historic documents that showcase Punjab’srich literary and cultural heritage. Each manuscript is carefully preserved,offering a glimpse into traditional knowledge, ancient languages, and art fromdifferent eras of history.

Among thehall’s special treasures are:

·      The Skanda Purana – one of the largest and most important texts in Hinduism,describing the universe, gods, and holy places.

·      The Zafarnama – written by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, expressing courage and divinefaith even in times of loss.

·      The Baznama – Persian manuscripts on the art and science of falconry.

·      Aja’ib al-Makhluqat(Wonders of Creation) – a 13th-centuryencyclopedia by Zakariya al-Qazwini, exploring the marvels of nature and theuniverse.

·      Shabd Ved – a rare compilation of all four Vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda,Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.

·      Rare Historical Volumesand Medal Gallery – featuring exhibitsconnected to Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, King George V&Princes of india & the Indian Empire, and rare works on India’sStruggle for Independenc

This hallstands as a living link to the wisdom of the past, preserving the words andideas that shaped civilizations.

The LendingSection of the MM Central State Library celebrates the true spirit ofpublic reading and access to knowledge.
Here, anyone can borrow books and take a piece of learning home. The sectionhouses a wide range of books from history, literature, and science tobiographies, fiction, and classics. It’s especially known for its uniquecollection on India’s freedom movement and the lives of national leaders.

This spacecontinues the library’s mission to make reading and knowledge available toeveryone. Every shelf here tells stories of India’s past and inspires newgenerations to think, learn, and dream.

Welcome to theReading Hall of the MM Central State Library, Patiala.

This peacefulspace is the heart of the library — a place where students, researchers, andreaders from across the city come together in their pursuit of knowledge. Everyday, the hall fills quietly with young aspirants preparing for competitive andacademic examinations. Some are deeply focused on their books, while othersexchange notes and ideas, creating a shared environment of learning andcuriosity.

Here, you’llfind a wide collection of reference materials — from newspapers and journals togeneral reading books that cover diverse subjects and interests.

But thisReading Hall is more than just a study area — it reflects the library’s truemission: to provide an inclusive, welcoming space that encourages lifelonglearning and community growth. Within these walls, knowledge connectsgenerations and keeps alive Patiala’s proud tradition of education and culture.

Entrance

White marble, inscribed in Hindi, English, and Gurmukhi, set into a sandstone/red brick wall. This bilingual/trilingual inscription reflects the official multilingualism of post-Independence Punjab.

Bronze Emblem: A metal (bronze/copper-alloy) roundel depicting the Lion Capital of Ashoka (four lions, back-to-back) - India’s national emblem adopted in 1950.Surrounding script: The words “सत्यमेव जयते” (Satyameva Jayate - “Truth Alone Triumphs”), inscribed in Devanagari along the bottom, with additional stylized characters encircling the emblem.

Marble Flooring

Located at the entrance foyer of the MM CS Library, this geometric floor design forms a striking visual centerpiece. The pattern - composed of alternating black and white stone triangles radiating from a central circle - resembles a compass rose or sunburst, symbolizing direction, knowledge, and illumination. Crafted from polished stone inlay, it reflects the design sensibilities of the early to mid-20th century, when symmetry and precision were integral to institutional architecture.

Shaheed Bhagat Singh

Bhagat Singh (1907–1931) was a revolutionary freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in India’s struggle against British colonial rule. Remembered for his courage, intellect, and sacrifice, he became a symbol of youthful idealism and resistance.

Architectural Style

Mix of Art deco style and modernist architecture with an influence of neo-classical style architecture. Art Deco architecture is a design style from the 1920s and 1930s characterized by sleek lines, geometric patterns, rich ornamentation, and symmetry - this is seen in a lot of institutional buildings in India with a modern touch.

It reflects a blend of Neoclassical and Modernist architectural influences in its grand facade, symmetrical layout, and columned entrance, symbolising knowledge, stability, and cultural prestige. At the same time, the building’s clean lines, functional spaces, and minimal ornamentation reveal Modernist sensibilities, emphasizing utility and openness. Together, these elements create a harmonious balance between historic grandeur and contemporary simplicity -making the library both a heritage landmark and a timeless example of architectural evolution.

Thank you

Celebrate Taste.

Celebrate Tradition.

Patiala Foundation proudly launches Heritage Food Awards 2025(PFFHA); a celebration of tradition, taste, and timeless recipes!

Come forward, showcase your culinary heritage, and be a part of this flavorful journey!

We invite all the food enthusiasts to scan the QR Code and Nominate themselves and their creations under various categories and also each one of you can nominate their favourite eateries and the finger licking good food of Royal City of Patiala. We just Doubled Up the Opportunity!

Join Heritage Food Awards 2025!

Nomination Link:

https://forms.gle/tqMexULWhZDH3BHb8

We’re thrilled to have Dr Navdeep Asija, Traffic Advisor, Government of Punjab lendhis voice to the official launch of #CHIDIYAGHAR– “Bringing Communities to House Birds” by Patiala Foundation!

As a long-time champion of safer, greenerstreets, Dr Asija reminds us that road safety and environmental stewardship gohand-in-hand because healthy cities are built for both people and wildlife.

Hit play to catch his inspiring messageon why every family, school, and workplace should install a nest and help ourfeathered friends return in full chorus.

Want in?
Fill out the Google Form to adoptyour own eco-friendly bird nest
Team up with us to sponsor acluster for your neighbourhood or institution
(Link in bio & stories)

Let’s make Punjab’s skies safer and louder onenest at a time.

#PatialaFoundation#DrNavdeepAsija #CHIDIYAGHAR #BringingCommunitiesToHouseBirds #BirdConservation#Punjab #RoadSafetyMeetsGreenCity #SDG15 #CommunityPower #LaunchDay #28July2025

Link to Adopt a CHIDIYA GHAR:

https://forms.gle/chxiq49zRsKaQirL8

Sakshi Sawhney IAS – Launching CHIDIYA GHAR: Bringing Communities to House Birds

Episode Description (show notes):
In this special launch-day episode, we’re joined by Sakshi Sawhney, IAS – Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar, an ardent supporter of Patiala Foundation’s work. Sakshi ji unveils CHIDIYA GHAR, our new community-driven bird-nest initiative designed to bring the cheerful songs of sparrows, mynas, and other urban birds back to our homes, schools, and workplaces.

Tune in to hear:

• Why safeguarding small species is vital for Amritsar’s ecological health and cultural soul

• How CHIDIYA GHAR blends eco-friendly design, QR-code monitoring, and citizen science to track nest success

• A heartfelt invitation from Sakshi Sawhney IAS to every household, business, and institution to adopt or sponsor nests

Get involved today!
Adopt a Nest – Request your own nest via our Google Form
Sponsor a Cluster – Fund nests for an entire neighbourhood, park, or school

Links to both forms are in the show notes and our social-media bio.

Join us as we work together to fill the skies with birdsong—one nest at a time. Hit play, share the episode, and help CHIDIYA GHAR take flight!

Link to Adopt a CHIDIYA GHAR: https://forms.gle/chxiq49zRsKaQirL8