The innovative ” Nainital Ghoda Library ” on wheels in Nainital was conceived to address the challenging geographical conditions and limited connectivity prevalent in the state. Shubham Badhani, the brain behind this unique initiative, was inspired by the distinct terrain and the pressing need for innovative educational solutions in remote rural areas.
Following its mention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 105th episode of the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ series, Shubham Badhani is driven to expand his exceptional educational campaign. His mission is to ensure that people in rural regions and underprivileged children in remote areas can fully benefit from this innovative initiative.
- Advertisement -
Shubham, speaking immediately after watching the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program on TV, expressed profound gratitude for the Prime Minister’s encouraging words. He elucidated, “The concept of establishing this mobile ‘ Nainital Ghoda Library ‘ stemmed from the challenging geographical conditions and the formidable connectivity challenges prevalent in the state.”
To navigate the rugged terrains with ease, they harnessed the assistance of horses. Shubham explained, “We have enlisted the help of horses, which can operate smoothly in these challenging areas.”
He continued, “Diwan Singh Rawat, a farmer from Jalna village, generously offered us his horse after being deeply impressed by our ‘Mobile Horse Library’ campaign, which was initiated on June 12 this year.” Shubham further added, “As news of this ‘Ghoda Library’ initiative reached nearby villages, we received an overwhelming response. Consequently, we now have 10 horses provided by various volunteers from different villages.”
Detailing the operational model of the library, Badhani elaborated, “Since the library is mobile, we distribute books to children during one round and then collect the old books in the subsequent round, replacing them with new ones after a week.”
- Advertisement -
Shubham enthusiastically mentioned the expansion of the ‘horse libraries’ to villages such as Bagni, Jalna, Gountiya, Dhinwa-khadak, Mahatgaon, Dola, Mahal dhura, Kalsee, and Talla Jalna.
He underscored the significance of this initiative for rural children, stating, “Urban areas provide easy access to information through television, extensive libraries, and workshops with knowledgeable instructors. However, for rural children, encountering a random book represents a new gateway to the world beyond their immediate locality.”
Shubham also expressed his concerns about the state of education in Uttarakhand, emphasizing, “The most pressing concern is that numerous remote villages remain unconnected to the internet or social media. There are still millions of children eager to explore the world beyond, and having the opportunity to read a book is like a dream come true.”
