500 books collected so far in Mandi Shivratri Festival’s ‘Apna Pustakalaya Abhiyan’

MANDI: The historic town of Mandi, known as “Chhoti Kashi” for its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, is currently hosting the International Shivratri Festival.

The seven-day event, which began on February 27 and will conclude on March 5, is witnessing a unique community-driven initiative — the ‘Apna Pustakalaya Abhiyan’ (own library campaign), a book donation drive spearheaded by the district administration.

District admn appeals to citizens for donation

The campaign, launched on the festival’s inaugural day, aims to encourage citizens to donate books and contribute towards strengthening public libraries.

As of March 4, the drive has successfully collected 500 books and Rs 3,500 in monetary donations. The collection kiosk, set up at Indira Market, has received an enthusiastic response from festival attendees.

Mandi Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Om Kant Thakur has urged people to contribute generously to the initiative. “The more knowledge we acquire and share, the stronger our new generation will become,” he said.

For those who may not have books to donate, the district administration has encouraged financial contributions, starting from Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs 500, or even Rs 1,000, allowing people to support the cause in multiple ways.

Festival beyond cultural celebrations

The International Shivratri Festival is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most prominent cultural and religious events, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists each year.

It is a vibrant blend of traditional processions, temple rituals, folk performances and community-driven initiatives. This year, the festival’s invitation card featured the rare ‘Mandi Kalam’ artwork, reflecting the region’s deep artistic roots.

Amidst the grand festivities, the book donation drive stands out as a meaningful initiative aimed at promoting education and literacy. It aligns with the festival’s spirit of community participation and cultural enrichment, reinforcing the idea that knowledge is a powerful gift.

Public libraries to benefit from donations

The books collected during the campaign will be distributed across various district libraries, ensuring easy access to literature and educational materials for students and avid readers. People are encouraged to donate books on literature, competitive exams, and general knowledge, helping aspiring students and learners in the region.

The initiative is being conducted under the directions of Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan and is part of a broader effort to enhance public education infrastructure in Mandi.

With just a day left until the festival concludes, the administration is making a final appeal for more donations, hoping to surpass the current collection figures. Citizens can visit the book collection kiosk at Indira Market to contribute.

Munish Sood