In the heart of Uttarakhand, where the monsoon season’s fury can isolate remote villages, one man’s innovative idea is changing the lives of children and adults alike.
Shubham Badhani, a resident of Nainital, came up with a unique solution to ensure that education and the joy of reading reach even the most secluded corners of the state.
It’s called the Ghoda Library, and it’s not your typical library – it’s on the back of a horse!
Ghoda Library Initiative
In the 105th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Ghoda Library and its founder, Shubham Badhani.
This mobile library was born out of necessity due to the challenging terrain and limited connectivity in Uttarakhand’s remote areas.
Shubham’s ingenious idea was to use horses, which can navigate these tough terrains with ease, to bring books and knowledge to these underserved communities.
A Growing Network
The initiative began with the generous contribution of Diwan Singh Rawat, a farmer from Jalna village, who offered his horse to kickstart the “Mobile Horse Library” on June 12th. The concept quickly gained traction, and now there are ten horses provided by volunteers from various villages.
These horses carry books to remote areas and ensure that children have access to new reading materials.
Circulation of Books
The Ghoda Library operates on a rotating system. During one round, books are issued to children, and on the next round, the old books are collected and exchanged for new ones.
This approach ensures that the library remains dynamic and continuously provides fresh reading material.
Expanding Reach
Expanding Reach
The network of “horse libraries” has now expanded to villages such as Bagni, Jalna, Gountiya, Dhinwa-khadak, Mahatgaon, Dola, Mahal dhura, Kalsee, and Talla Jalna.
These libraries have become a lifeline for rural children, offering them a glimpse into the world beyond their small localities.
Addressing the Digital Divide
While urban areas have easy access to information through TV, extensive libraries, and educational workshops, rural children often lack these privileges. Many remote villages in Uttarakhand are not connected to the internet or social media.
The Ghoda Library initiative bridges this gap, giving millions of eager young minds the opportunity to explore the world through books.
The Ghoda Library is not just a mobile library on horseback; it’s a symbol of hope and empowerment for remote communities in Uttarakhand.
Thanks to Shubham Badhani’s visionary idea, children in these areas continue to nurture their love for reading and learning, even when schools are closed due to harsh weather conditions.
The Ghoda Library is proof that innovation and determination can bring positive change, no matter how challenging the circumstances may be.
