Nainital (Uttarakhand): In the serene mountains of Uttarakhand, where the love for learning thrives, a unique initiative is breaking barriers and opening doors to education. The Ghoda Library, a moving haven of books on a horse, has taken root in the heart of Nainital's remote villages, ensuring that the children of the region are not denied the gift of knowledge, even in the face of adversity. This innovative endeavour, borne out of the determination of rural youth, is not only making education accessible but also fostering community cooperation.
Traditionally, libraries are sanctuaries of stillness, where individuals delve into the pages of books. However, this concept takes a lively twist in the Himalayan terrain. The Ghoda Library aims to deliver literary treasures to children, transcending the constraints of school breaks and adverse weather. Collaborating with the Sankalp Youth Foundation, this project orchestrates the delivery of reading materials to young learners in villages like Baghni, Jalna, Mahaldhura, Alekh, Gautiya, Dhinvakharak, and Bansi within the distant Kotabagh development block of Nainital.
The initiative is proving to be a lifeline for children, particularly during holidays and rainy seasons. The incessant rain and cloudbursts have forced school closures and disrupted normal life across Uttarakhand. In this turmoil, the Ghoda Library emerged as a beacon of hope for children's education. The dedicated efforts of local youth like Shubham and Subhash have ensured that learning remains uninterrupted even in the face of calamity. Their resolve to make education thrive amid challenges has ignited a spark of curiosity and enthusiasm among rural children.
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Shubham, along with his fellow companions, has been a driving force behind this noble initiative. The closure of roads following the recent Uttarakhand disaster prompted a shift from the motorcycle-based book delivery system to the Ghoda Library. Undeterred by the obstacles, these young advocates of education embarked on journeys through villages astride horses, carrying with them the promise of enlightenment for the eager minds.
Shubham Badhani, a pioneer in this movement, explained the origins of the Ghoda Library. It was born through the collaboration of local youth, educators, and parents from Baghni, Chhada, and Jalna. With the active involvement of Gram Sabha Jalna's Kavita Rawat and Badhani's Subhash Badhani in the initial phases, the campaign gained momentum. As time progressed, more villagers rallied behind this cause, with parents willingly offering their horses for a day to serve as the mobile library's noble steeds.
"I started a moving library which was later named 'Ghoda Library'. It was started with the help of some youth and local education motivators from a few villages," Shubham Badhani said.
The impact of the Ghoda Library initiative is palpable. It transcends the pages of books and carries the potential to reshape the landscape of education in these remote villages. Through the dedication of youth and the support of the community, this endeavor has bridged the gap between learning and circumstance. It exemplifies the indomitable spirit of those who believe that education is not just a luxury but a fundamental right that should thrive regardless of challenges.
In the mountainous terrain of Nainital, where the rain-soaked earth often poses a barrier to traditional schooling, the Ghoda Library gallops ahead, forging a path for a generation of young learners. As the world shifts towards digital realms, this initiative stands as a reminder that the essence of education lies not only in the content of books but in the passion and persistence of those who strive to deliver it.
