Digital Library for Students in Naxal-Affected Areas of Gadchiroli by Pune Citizens

Pune: Gadchiroli, being a Naxal-affected and extremely remote region, often faces a severe shortage of permanent teachers, leading to significant academic setbacks for students there. To help address this gap, citizens of Pune have provided a digital library for the students of Gadchiroli. Two schools received e-learning sets with educational apps preloaded, along with a variety of books for their libraries.

This initiative was organized by the Janhit Charitable Trust in association with the Dharmveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Utsav Committee, Pune, and was held at the Bharat Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal in Sadashiv Peth. Present on the occasion were Pro-Vice Chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University Dr. Parag Kalkar, senior historian Pandurang Balkawade, and representatives from the trust including Prakash Dhamdhere, Shirish Mohite, Uday Jagtap, Piyush Vijay Shah, Nilesh Khanekar, Anil Dhamdhere, Vasant Khutwad, Hemant Tirale, Rohan Jadhav, Shantanu Mukkawar, and Omkar Thakur.

Additionally, the organization provided nutritious food to five schools. Several dignitaries were present at the event, including Milind Ekbote, Sandeep Shah of Pharmdeal, the Kavad family, and Ganesh Satpute. The Lions Club of Sarasbaug also actively participated in the initiative. The event was coordinated by Prakash Dhamdhere, President of the Pratishthan, and Piyush Vijay Shah, President of the Utsav Committee.

Dr. Parag Kalkar remarked that there are still many areas in India that have not been reached through education. However, books can carry good thoughts to these places. Under the National Education Policy, efforts are being made to reach 50% of the population by 2025. He emphasized the need to bring more people into higher education and to instill a sense of patriotism through such efforts.

Pandurang Balkawade expressed hope that Naxalism would be eradicated soon. However, when that time comes, it will be necessary to bring the tribal communities into the mainstream of the nation. Celebrating anniversaries of national heroes can serve as a source of inspiration, he said.

Uday Jagtap pointed out that the younger generation is drifting away from reading. Establishing a reading culture in Gadchiroli is the need of the hour. He acknowledged the various positive efforts that have already been implemented in the region and credited the success to Ganesh festival groups in Pune and the collective efforts of Pune citizens.