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Helping youth empowerment

That remains open round-the-clock for Civil Services aspirants

ENGROSSED MEN Unraveling the pleasure of reading PHOTO: S. JAMES.

Philanthropy comes in various forms. One among them is educating the poor. Even in this world of technology, information and knowledge remain competitive weapons of time to enlighten the `self.' Believing that empowerment will not only help the youths develop their knowledge, skills and abilities but also enable them to take control and improve their own learning, P.V. Durairaj, a landlord of Lakshminaickenpatti in Theni district started a free public library in 1940s and christened it as `People's Library.'

Desire to help

Though Mr. Durairaj hailed from an affluent family, he was not able to continue his studies for personal reasons. The unfortunate happening fuelled his desire to educate the poor, who otherwise wallow in `darkness' in search of free education and knowledge. His `People's Library' enlightened the village youths and their minds for about 15 years and after that the doors of the knowledge hub was forcibly closed due to unavoidable reasons.

Aware of the power of printed words, Mr.Durairaj then came to Madurai in late 70s to establish more libraries. He formed a trust called `Sinthanaiyalarkalai oruvakka udhavum PVD Trust' in 1990 aimed at providing education to people, creating health awareness and imparting training in martial arts and yoga.

Three libraries

While the Lenin Library was found in 1990 in Lakshminaickenpatti, in 1995 Karl Marx Library came up Bethaniyapuram in Madurai. The Lenin Library functioning at S.S. Colony was shifted to Bodi in 1998. Being attracted by Marxism, he named all his libraries after Marxist leaders.

Mr. Durairaj sold many of his properties to build the libraries. His regular income came from his property put out on rent. "Today, these free-lending libraries function with the help of income generated from the rent besides the life membership subscription rate of Rs.11," according to M.J. Prabhakar, library secretary and a board member of the trust.

The Madurai Karl Marx Library that began its service with 500 books has a collection of above 10,000 books now including a wide range on all competitive exams like the civil services and Combined Defence Services. In addition, it has a collection of newspapers, vernacular dailies, journals, weeklies and bi-weeklies and children's books.

Round-the-clock facility

Recently three students who were regulars at this library made it to the Railway Recruitment board while a visually challenged person got through Teachers Recruitment Board. Another regular library visitor made it to UPSC interview, 12 to the Anna IAS Academy in Chennai while eight got through Law entrance examination. Though the official working hours of the library are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., the doors of this knowledge store remain open round-the-clock for students preparing for competitive examinations.

Healthy deviation

True to the belief of the founder that `sound body is the place of sound mind,' the trust has also been organizing free general medical camps and eye camps in city and surrounding villages. Every year, the trust takes up the responsibility of honouring district top scorers (SSLC and Plus-Two) both in Madurai and Theni districts. If needed, the trust also makes arrangements to finance their studies. Today, the library boasts of 1000 members including children above four years. On an average the library is visited by 150 visitors daily including 40 students out of which 20 to 30 are women. Twice a month, the library organises book reviews and meeting on general topics.

"To make the invitations a valuable possession of members, we print on the rear side some valuable information and tips on health, current issues and scientific developments," says Mr. Prabhakar.

The library is gearing up to celebrate the beginning of its 12th year of service on Sunday (March 19) with many more fruitful-activities.

S.S.KAVITHA

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