Bhubaneswar: A drive began here Wednesday which is expected to rekindle the library movement in the state through collection of books from willing donors.
Late Dasarathi Patnaik, fondly known as Dasia Aja and the pioneer of Odisha’s library movement, had begun a drive by setting up Ama Pathaagaara, a library, with just five books in his trunk. The library now houses over 1.5 lakh books and periodicals, palm leaf manuscripts, paintings and other research materials.
To pay tribute to Patnaik and rekindle the library movement, Ama Pathaagaara drive was started by actor and activist Varsha Priyadarshini through her trust ‘Sammanita’, in association with The Click Productions.
As part of the drive, Varsha aims to collect books from willing donors from across Odisha and beyond, and donate them to children all over the state, encouraging the setting up of libraries in each district. A logo launching ceremony of ‘Ama Pathagara’ was also organized here Wednesday.
On the occasion, Varsha donated two cabinets of books – ranging from school textbooks and reference books to famed novels and biographies, collected from willing donors, to children at Jeevan Jyoti Ashram in Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar.
Varsha said, “Through this initiative, we want to give chance to those who can’t afford books to read. We will collect books and distribute them to orphanages and old age homes. We hope more and more people will help in making this initiative successful.”
Dileswari Dharua from Phuljharan village in Bolangir who selflessly taught the children of her village during the pandemic to ensure they didn’t lag behind due to the shutting down of government schools, was felicitated during the event.
