Chinnar Tribes Embrace Power of Books in the Wilderness

WHEN WAS the last time you visited a library? The question would seem a bit outdated for urban people, who scarcely have time to visit a physical library outside their digital devices.

- NEJMA SULAIMAN @Idukki

However, inside the wilderness of the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Idukki, children listen to stories read by elders, while youngsters prepare for government exams inside libraries, that serve as a knowledge-sharing center for the tribal people.

Started by the forest department in 2016, 'Bodhi' libraries have been helping hundreds of tribal people in 11 settlements inside the sanctuary.

CWC social worker and library coordinator Mini Kashi told TNIE that the department initially started with three libraries to transform the lives of the underprivileged tribal community. "The libraries were started at Chinnar, Alampetty, and Iruttala Kudi settlements in 2016. The next year, two more libraries were started at Palapetty and Puthukkudi," she said.