Munish Sood
The Newz Radar
MANDI: Shubham Sharma, a 29-year-old pradhan of Tandu panchayat under Mandi Sadar Development Block of Himachal Pradesh, is working with a vision to benefit the youth.
Shubham prioritises holistic development in his panchayat and strives to bring new and impactful initiatives to fruition. As a result of his vision, he has established a modern library in his panchayat. The library, which is entirely free and has a seating capacity for 10 persons, is offering an excellent environment for studying at home, eliminating the need to go elsewhere.
In 2021, Shubham utilised an amount of Rs 2.5 lakh received under the 14th Finance Commission to build this library. The library not only contains books but also features two computers and provides high-speed internet access.
Shubham shared that when elected as the youth head of the panchayat, he envisioned doing something for the youth, leading to the creation of this library. The library has a seating capacity for 10 individuals, and entry is completely free.
Talking to TNR, Shubham said that he had always wished to open a library for the youth of his panchayat who had to travel miles for gathering knowledge through books at the District Library in Mandi. “I set up this library within first six months of assuming office. An internet facility with computer has also been set up for digital enhancement of their (youths’) knowledge,” he shared.
The local youth are reaping full benefits of this library. They expressed that previously they had to travel 10 km to reach the Mandi district headquarters for library facilities. Now, they enjoy this service right at their doorstep, thanks to the efforts of their young pradhan. It’s worth noting that very few panchayats in the state provide such facilities. Panchayats like Tandu set an example for other elected representatives to initiate similar efforts in their respective areas.
