Rajaram Library’s new initiative weaning kids away from gadgets

 

 

When one thinks of children reading books, one might imagine the sight of a large comfortable library filled with kids immersed in reading. Little does one know that such a picture is indeed coming true in the Rajaram Sitaram Dixit Library in Gokulpeth. Starting from May 1, it began a new initiative wherein children of all ages were invited to the library to browse freely through the collection, and pick any book(s) for issuing -- all without any fees. Drawing little children from the vicinity in threes and fours, the new venture is off to a tiny but fruitful start. Every evening after five o’ clock, one can see the kids making their way through to the library. Shyly, but with their eyes visibly gleaming, they mill around a table-- where books of varying languages and topics are stacked. Their eyes wander around the books, and gradually they get so immersed in them that they become oblivious to their surroundings. Then, they make their pick, and clutching the book gingerly, they sit down on the nearby chairs to read.

 

The whole process is calm and unhurried; and one is left wondering, what could possibly be simpler than just picking a book and sitting down to read? And that is precisely what the library is offering. Speaking to ‘The Hitavada’, Anil Chanakhekar, Secretary of Rajaram Sitaram Dixit Library, said, “Throughout history, books have kept man company, whether in times of distress or instability. One turns to them very naturally. But in recent times, there has been such a prodigious change in our modes of entertainment, that this tradition is on the verge of being forgotten. We cannot let our children miss out on such a treasure!”

 

He further added, “Human nature is universal. Literature throughout the ages reflects this, whether it’s the plays of Shakespeare or Pu La Deshpande’s humorous writings. Our collection at the library exposes the children to all these sorts of books.” Established in 1931, the library has a unique history of being one of the few ‘A’ grade libraries in Nagpur. In recent years, recognising the library’s contributions, the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), New Delhi, also collaborated with it. Moreover, the library has more such plans in the pipeline: soon, it hopes to attract adult readers as well.

 

The library’s timings are from 4pm to 8pm in the evening. This works well to the children’s advantage. As Soham Nagose, a twelve year-old boy who has recently started reading ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, said, “Because of our summer vacations, we have a lot of time throughout the day. So I have started coming to the library in the evenings with my brother and sister. It is a good change, because there are many interesting things to read!” Varsha Deshpande, a young girl not more than twelve years of age, recently started reading ‘Shyamchi Aai’. When asked about this choice, she said, “I am used to watching Marathi serials on the TV with my parents. I had watched both the movie and the serial based on book. So when I saw the book here, I wanted to read it.” Her father adds that she now finds the book so engaging, that she even comes late for dinner on account of it! One senses the emergence of a substantial reading culture here. The journey, of course, is a slow and steady one, but the indications are already there. As Sanvi Poharker, a mother who daily brings her children to the library, says,“I am very proud of my sons. I come here every day and let them read what they want. Now no one can say that my children have been deprived of reading in their mother tongue: you should see how my little one recites the Bhagavad Gita!” The remark automatically brings a smile to one’s face. One gets the feeling that this exercise will not go in vain. It is slowly reaching the right group. Interested readers may visit the library