Youth-Led Library Movement Sparks Hope in Bihar's Poorest District
Kishanganj, adjudged as the poorest district of Bihar by Niti Aayog in 2021 and plagued by low literacy rates, is witnessing a remarkable transformation. A recent library movement, spearheaded by enthusiastic youths led by Saquib Ahmad, is bringing this district out of the shadows and offering great promise for underprivileged children.
Foundation and Impact of Rural Libraries
The movement led to the formation of the Seemanchal Library Foundation, which has established three rural libraries in the district. These libraries are blazing a trail by motivating children from marginalized sections of society towards education. More than 200 children, many of whom have never attended school, visit the libraries daily, gaining exposure to the world of knowledge.
For instance, Mariam Hansda, Devashri Murmu, Ritika Murmu, and at least 30 other tribal girls visit the Fatima Sheikh Library in Damalbadi village under Pothia block without fail every afternoon. They study there for three to four hours, showing keen interest in subjects like science, geography, and history. During the day, they perform domestic chores or work in fields, with some even grazing buffaloes.
Similarly, other boys and girls in the district frequent the Savitri Bai Phule Library in Belwa village and the Rukaiyya Sakhawat Library at Janta Kanhaiya Badi village in Kochadhaman block.
Resources and Community Engagement
These three libraries collectively house about 4,000 books, including literature, biographies, children’s stories, and painting books. Hasnain, a key figure in the movement, adds, "We will make some school books available as well so that underprivileged children can read them. We have also decided that we will not keep books of any religion."
The libraries boast promising attendance, with hundreds of children visiting every day. Most visitors are from dalit communities or are children of daily wage workers. Many work in fields all day before coming to the libraries to read and learn, highlighting their dedication to education.
Future Plans and Vision
The Seemanchal Library Foundation has ambitious plans to open libraries in every panchayat in Kishanganj district and establish a central library in the town. Hasnain explains, "We have a population of around 20 lakh in Kishanganj but no libraries. People have no access to books. The reading habit is poor here, so we want to change this scenario. We want people to love books."
This initiative not only addresses educational gaps but also fosters a culture of reading and learning in a region long neglected. By empowering youth and children, the movement is paving the way for a brighter future in one of India's most challenged districts.
