Dosti Kitabon Se: 6 New Libraries in India
Introduction
Have you ever walked into a government school classroom? Usually, you see eager faces and crowded benches. However, you rarely see bookshelves filled with stories. Consequently, the silence in these rooms is changing. Now, this change is being driven by the Dosti Kitabon Se campaign across India.
We are living in a digital age. Unfortunately, rising screen addiction among children is stifling their imagination. For instance, children spend hours scrolling instead of reading. As a result, this disconnects them from the “Universe of Imagination.” Therefore, at Shail-Satya Foundation (SSF), we decided to act. We launched the Dosti Kitabon Se initiative to turn empty hands into pages of possibility. Today, we are proud to share a major milestone. So far, we have successfully established 6 libraries. This article explores the impact of Dosti Kitabon Se and how we are reshaping the future.
We launched the "Dosti Kitabon Se" campaign to turn empty hands into pages of possibility. Today, we are proud to share a major milestone. We have successfully established 6 libraries to date.
The Crisis: Why Dosti Kitabon Se is Essential
The problem is visible in both city slums and remote villages. Government schools often have full classrooms but empty bookshelves. Education is happening, but inspiration is missing.
- Smartphones are cheap; however, data is addictive. Sadly, children in underserved communities are increasingly glued to screens. Consequently, this addiction limits their cognitive development. Moreover, it stops them from dreaming. The Dosti Kitabon Se campaign aims to break this digital chain. Ultimately, we want to replace the blue light of a phone with the smell of paper pages.
- The Missing Infrastructure Many schools lack the funds for non-academic books. Textbooks are provided, but storybooks are a luxury. Without access to diverse literature, a child’s world remains small. Our campaign bridges this gap. We believe that access to a library is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
The Data: Why Books Matter More Than Ever
We are fighting a hidden crisis. While school enrollment is high, actual reading skills are lagging behind. Recent data supports our on-ground experience.
Rising Literacy, But…: The Union Education Minister recently announced that India’s literacy rate has risen to 80.9%. However, literacy is more than just signing one’s name. It is about understanding the world.
The Reading Gap: Furthermore, according to the ASER 2023 report, nearly 25% of rural youth (aged 14-18) still cannot read a Class 2 level text fluently.
The Digital Distraction: Additionally, the same report highlights that over 90% of these youths have access to smartphones. Yet, many struggle with simple reading tasks.
This gap drives our mission. We do not just want children to attend school; we want them to read to learn. For more official statistics on school infrastructure and literacy, you can visit the Ministry of Education (Government of India).
The Vision Behind Dosti Kitabon Se
What exactly happens when we open a library? Fundamentally, Dosti Kitabon Se is not just about furniture. Above all, it is about emotional and intellectual freedom.
A Gateway to Imagination Our libraries are designed to be safe spaces. Whenever a child opens a book, they are no longer in a small village. Instead, they are traveling the world. Furthermore, they are learning about science and art. As a result, this exposure lets their dreams find wings.
Improving Focus Reading requires patience. In contrast, short videos destroy focus. Happily, teachers in our partner schools report a positive change. Students who read are calmer. Additionally, they ask better questions.
Our Journey: Achieving 6 New Libraries
The journey to establishing 6 libraries has been challenging but rewarding. Each library tells a story of community strength.
The First Step: Turning Junk into Joy
The journey of Dosti Kitabon Se did not begin in a grand hall. Initially, it started with a simple wall almirah. Specifically, in our very first library location, we found a cupboard that was completely stuffed with old junk and dust. At that moment, we realized that we did not need a perfect building to start; rather, we just needed intent.
First, we cleared out the trash and deep-cleaned the almirah. Next, to make it inviting for the children, we pasted bright colored paper on the old racks. Finally, we placed the first set of books on those colorful shelves.
Instantly, the visual difference was striking. What was once a storage space for junk became a gateway to the "Universe of Imagination". Create clearly, this simple transformation proved that we do not need massive infrastructure. On the contrary, we only need a small corner and a few good books.
Scaling Up to 6 Locations
From Varanasi,UP to Patna, Bihar, we expanded. We identified schools where the need was greatest. Today, six schools have functional, vibrant libraries. The Dosti Kitabon Se is now felt by hundreds of students daily.
- Ramdas Prathmik Vidyalaya, Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh
- Composite School MatriMath, Khojwan, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- PS Futiya, Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh
- Composite School, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh
- GMS, Hajipur, Vaishali, Bihar
- KMS, Golghar, Patna, Bihar
Future Goals: Expanding the Dosti Kitabon Se Impact
We are not stopping at six. The need is massive. Our official goal is ambitious yet achievable.
Target 2026: 25 Libraries We aim to build 25 libraries by the year 2026. This will require consistent effort and funding. We want to reach the most remote corners of India. We want to ensure that no child grows up without a “Dosti Kitabon Se”.
Sustaining the Momentum Building a library is step one. Maintaining it is step two. We conduct regular monitoring to ensure quality.
To keep collections fresh, books are rotated frequently.
In addition, reading sessions keep the excitement alive. Sustainability is key to a lasting Dosti Kitabon Se Impact.
Step-by-Step Guide: How You Can Help
You might be thinking, “How can I contribute?” The Dosti Kitabon Se Impact relies on people like you. Here is a simple guide to making a difference.
Step 1: Donate Funds This is the most direct way to help. We have a transparent donation process.
- Cost Efficiency: A small donation creates a big impact.
- The Amount: Just ₹251 or ₹501 per month changes lives.
- Usage: Your money buys new books and stationeries.
For the price of a movie ticket, you can sponsor a bundle of books for a rural library. You can help us to establish next 19 libraries.
Step 2: Donate Books Do you have gently used children’s books? Do not throw them away. Send them to our headquarters in Varanasi. We accept storybooks, encyclopedias, and comics.
Step 3: Spread the Word Share this blog. Talk about the Dosti Kitabon Se Impact on social media. Awareness drives action. When you share our story, you help us reach new donors and volunteers.
Conclusion
The silence of a reading room is powerful. In short, it is the sound of minds at work. Although we have established 6 libraries, thousands of schools are still waiting. Therefore, we need your support. Together, let us ensure every child finds a friend in a book.
Help us expand Dosti Kitabon Se today.
Are you ready to change a life?
Donate Us to support the next library. Let Their Dreams Find Wings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Learn More About Dosti Kitabon Se
Have questions? Here’s everything you need to know about our education initiatives.
The journey to establishing 6 libraries has been challenging but rewarding. Each library tells a story of community strength.
What is the “Dosti Kitabon Se” campaign?
“Dosti Kitabon Se” is an ongoing initiative of Shail-Satya Foundation (SSF) that promotes education by establishing libraries in government schools in India while helping children reduce screen time and rediscover joyful learning.
How does Dosti Kitabon Se reduce screen time?
The campaign promotes joyful reading through book distributions, libraries, and daily reading circles.
How many libraries has the foundation established?
So far, we have established six libraries in Varanasi, Mirzapur, and Chandauli districts of Uttar Pradesh, along with Patna and Hajipur in Bihar.
How can I contribute or volunteer for “Dosti Kitabon Se”?
You can support us in multiple ways — by donating funds, contributing books, or volunteering your time, or help us spread awareness..
Visit our campaign page: Donate for Education & Libraries
Does reading really help children dream bigger?
Yes. Reading builds imagination, confidence, and focus, helping children develop visionary dreams.
Table of Contents
We are committed to transforming lives through education, healthcare, and empowerment. Our vision is a world where everyone has access to education and healthcare.
Join us and be part of the change!
We are Registered on NGO Darpan
