A group of youth in Assam’s Barpeta district, on the bank of river Beki, has started a library for the flood-affected children.

The youth, belonging to Barpeta’s char areas which are affected by seasonal floods, crowd-sourced more than 1,000 books to set up the library. The library caters the needs of the flood-affected children of several villages.

“We have seen how the children of these flood-affected char are deprived of basic facilities. Their future remains dark, if people like us don’t take any step. I think we can make a change. So, I decided to initiate this step of collecting books from my friends and colleagues. Today, I feel great to see the dream library in reality with a good number of books,” Abdul Kalam Azad, a research scholar, who initiated the step, told The News Mill from Mazidbhita char.

The one-room library is situated on the bank of river Beki. The library is now ready for formal inauguration. The initiative was started around a year ago after witnessing the plight of the children who were displaced due to the floods.

“It’s almost ready. Once we open it for the children and the students, they will get access to the books on different topics. We will also have our workers here who will help the students. I’m glad to see people responding to our appeal in a grand way,” Kalam said adding that he ensured that the books being donated at the library aren’t propagating strong political and religious ideologies.

Community Char Library On The Bank Of Beki In Barpeta District Of Assam 2 – The News Mill

Kalam, who also runs an NGO called Jhai Foundation, has been working in these areas on flood and rehabilitation. Jhai Foundation has helped in setting up the library room and wooden furniture.

Zahedul Islam who looks after the library and Kazi Neal, a poet and activist, who are arranging the books, were also excited at the development.

“I am happy to see a number of books here, which surely will help the poor students,” said Kazi.

Kalam and his friends also set up temporary floating boat classes during the floods when the students cannot go to their schools.

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About Abdul Gani

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Abdul Gani is a Guwahati-based journalist