“Shikshadanam sarvashreshtham, na shiten na samam punah; Yena jnana-prakāshena, tamo nashyati sattvatah.”
“Giving the gift of knowledge is the highest act of charity, for knowledge dispels ignorance completely.”
The opportunity to put this timeless wisdom into practice came in 2022, when the Ranchi Prabhat Lions Club, District 322A, turned its attention to Tati village—a remote community where students had little access to books, study spaces, or the kind of educational support available in urban areas. What began as a simple idea—to offer young people a quiet place to read and learn—soon grew into something the entire community welcomed and made their own.
What followed was the creation of a library-cum-reading room that now brings people of all ages together and nurtures a sustainable, community-driven learning ecosystem. Stocked with more than 2,000 books, it offers a wide range of material—school textbooks from primary to senior secondary levels, guides for competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, and banking, as well as motivational, spiritual, and general interest titles. For many children, it is the first time they have had regular access to such resources.
The club ensured the space was not just functional but comfortable. Electricity with backup power, ceiling fans, drinking water, toilets, and seating for 30 students make it a place where readers can stay for hours without interruption. Over time, this consistent availability has encouraged new habits: children drop in after school, college students prepare for exams, and adults browse books out of curiosity or for personal growth.
One of the library’s most meaningful outcomes has been the culture of peer support it has nurtured. Senior students often help younger ones with lessons, share notes, or offer guidance on difficult topics. This informal mentoring has built confidence among learners and strengthened connections within the community.
What began as a modest initiative—built with an investment of about ₹2.5 lakhs—has become a shared space where learning feels accessible and hopeful. For Tati village, the library is more than a building with books; it is a daily reminder that education can open doors, broaden choices, and shape futures.
