‘Book Gram’: Bengal’s first ‘Book Gram’ was born in Panijhora, Alipurduar. ‘Alokvartika’ library will spread the light of education in tribal villages.
After Villar in Maharashtra and Perukalam in Kerala, Panijora village in Alipurduar district of West Bengal was the first ‘Book Village’ of Bengal. This extraordinary step has been taken by the initiative of a voluntary organization called ‘Apankatha’.
Located within the Buxa Tiger Project, this small village is home to seven tribal communities and backward class people. This book village has been developed with the aim of increasing the interest in reading and spreading education among all young and old of this village. The village is expected to become a tourist attraction in the coming days.
Small library (‘Book Gram’) in every village house:
A wooden arch is visible as soon as you enter Panijora village, which is only 12 km from Alipurduar town. Entering the village through this arch, you will see a plaque explaining the purpose of the book village. A small wooden library called ‘alokvartika’ has been built in front of 10 houses inside the village . These libraries are stocked with 50 books of various tastes including story books, science books, social awareness books.
Apankatha initiative:
Partha Saha, the leader of the Apankatha volunteer organization, said that the children in this remote village are struggling a lot to continue their studies. Many have dropped out of education post-covid due to family financial instability. They have taken this initiative after learning about the interest of these children towards education. They are working with the determination to build a small library in every village house.
Central Library:
A central library is being developed in the village primary school. There will also be books for job seekers. Villagers and tourists can study there if they wish.
The book village of Panijora is an inspiration not only to a village but to the entire country. This initiative proves that even with a little effort it is possible to change the face of a village.
[…] Read More: Bengal’s first and India’s third ‘Book Gram’ was born in West Bengal. […]