In Nashik’s remote tribal belts, where books and study spaces were once hard to find, a unique grassroots initiative is giving rural children a new path to education. Led by Pramod Gopalrao Gaikwad under the Social Networking Forum (SNF), the Library Movement has set up 29 community libraries since 2020. These centres are more than just reading rooms—they are becoming lifelines for tribal youth who dream of completing their studies and securing better opportunities.
I find this story important because it shows how a simple yet powerful idea can bring long-term change in places where education has always been a challenge. In many tribal areas, schools lack resources and students have no space to study after class. By creating libraries in unused halls and stocking them with books, newspapers, and exam guides, this movement is giving children hope.
It is also helping communities rediscover the value of learning. Education is often seen as the only way out of poverty, and such local initiatives prove that collective effort can create real impact without waiting for large-scale government schemes.
How the movement began
The Library Movement started on 3 January 2020 in Savarne village, Peth Taluka, Nashik district. The date was chosen to mark the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, India’s first woman teacher. The opening was celebrated with book processions and cultural events, setting a model for other villages. Seeing the success, more communities came forward to replicate the idea, leading to rapid expansion.
Role of the Social Networking Forum
Pramod Gopalrao Gaikwad, who grew up in rural Maharashtra as the son of teachers, had seen firsthand how tribal students struggled due to lack of resources. In 2010, he founded the Social Networking Forum (SNF) to address such social issues. A decade later, the library initiative became one of its most impactful projects.
Key highlights of SNF’s Library Movement:
- 29 libraries established across Nashik’s tribal villages.
- Unused community halls converted into reading and study centres.
- Access to books, newspapers, reference material, and competitive exam guides.
- A growing network of volunteers helping maintain and expand the movement.
Why it matters for tribal education
- Students now have a place to study after school, reducing dropout rates.
- Access to reading material is improving literacy and comprehension skills.
- Youngsters preparing for competitive exams can finally access relevant resources.
- Communities are getting more engaged in their children’s education.
