Munish Sood
MANDI:
Karsog, a town in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh known for its cedar-scented breeze and tranquil Himalayan landscape, has long awaited a meaningful boost in educational infrastructure. That moment has finally arrived. With the Himachal Pradesh government’s vision and the Mandi district administration’s consistent efforts, the new Apna Pustakalaya has emerged as a powerful symbol of opportunity for the region’s youth.
Set up inside the newly constructed Joint Office Building, the library is not just a study space but an open gateway to knowledge. Built at a cost of over Rs 22 lakh, the facility provides seating for 100 students at a time, offering a peaceful, disciplined and motivating atmosphere that students from remote hills often struggle to find. For many young aspirants, it has quickly become the most dependable place to prepare for exams and shape academic goals.
The state government’s objective behind this initiative is simple yet transformative: to ensure that students in far-flung regions have the same access to high-quality academic resources as those in bigger cities. To make this a reality, the library is equipped with an e-library section, three computers, high-speed internet and online learning material, marking a significant step forward in digital education for the region.
Its physical collection is equally impressive, with nearly 5,000 books covering a wide range of fields. From NCERT and school-level material to resources for HAS, IAS and allied services, along with medical, engineering, agriculture, horticulture, law, journalism, fashion design and even IIT-IIM preparation, Apna Pustakalaya has become an academic reservoir for Karsog and nearby areas.
What makes this initiative even more remarkable is the way the community has embraced it. There are no appointed employees; instead young volunteers manage the library themselves. Local NGOs, philanthropists, successful candidates of competitive exams and administrative officials have all donated books and resources. Their contributions reinforce a simple truth: when the government and society work together, lasting change is inevitable.
Today, Apna Pustakalaya stands as a new beacon of learning in the mountains. What began as an idea under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has grown into a thriving hub that will shape the futures of countless students. The district administration’s dedication has turned this library into a knowledge centre that will continue guiding generations.
Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan says the aim is to provide a high-quality study environment that inspires reading habits and supports students in competitive exam preparation. Similar libraries are being set up across all sub-divisions of Mandi district to ensure that premium study material is easily accessible, right at the doorstep of students in remote regions.
