44 DIY Libraries through the JCB Literature Foundation’s Qissa Pitara Project are taking the joy of reading to children from marginalised communities

The ASER 2022 Report noted that the percentage of Class 3 students in
both government and private schools who can read text given to second graders dropped from
27.3% in 2018 to 20.5% in 2022. The last time this proportion was close to this low was in 2012, at
21.5%, making the impact of the COVID 19 Pandemic quite evident. Longitudinal surveys have shown
the direct corelation between the lack of reading fluency and school dropouts, over the years.
As a response to the alarming situation, and the Foundation’s vision of promoting the art of
literature within India, the JCB Literature Foundation, a leading not-for-profit organization, in 2022,
started its Qissa Pitara Programme, an initiative to create DIY Libraries to bring the joy of reading to
children from marginalized communities across India, fostering literacy, free-thinking, and
imagination among children.
The Qissa Pitara Project, launched in August 2022, is gaining momentum across India. With 44
libraries active in states like Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi, Jharkhand, Madhya
Pradesh, West Bengal, and Assam, it impacting over 8800 children, with 30,000 books in
circulation. Through partnerships with education-focused organizations, JCB Literature Foundation
has created vibrant reading spaces in schools and community centers, promoting literacy and
empowering young minds.
Since the Qissa Pitara libraries cater to children who are often first-time readers, dedicated librarians
are chosen from the communities and trained to manage the spaces. Currently, 43 librarians across
its locations manage the curriculum across the 44 libraries. Through various activities such as read-
aloud sessions, storytelling, art and craft activities, and interactive workshops, they encourage
children to explore diverse literary genres, express themselves creatively, and develop critical
thinking skills.
Each library has a diverse array of books, sourced from leading children’s book publishers from
across the country, which vary not only in terms of genres but also languages to account for differing
regions, communities and local contexts that the children come from. Therefore, whilst each library
is similar in its intent, it is also uniquely different, tailored to address the local needs and issues of
the communities they cater to.
Speaking about the project, Manish Tayal, Director, JCB Literature Foundation, expressed, In the
context of India, where socio-economic disparities often hinder access to even quality education and
resources, the provision of literature through DIY Libraries holds profound significance. These
libraries transcend mere book distribution by becoming dynamic hubs of intellectual exploration and
personal growth for marginalized children.
In a nation where literacy rates and reading levels vary widely across regions and communities, DIY
Libraries represent a beacon of hope. By granting access to a diverse array of books and educational
materials, especially in languages and mediums that the children understand, ignite the flames of
curiosity within young minds, encouraging them to explore, question, and learn. For many children
who lack access to traditional libraries, these libraries serve as vital platforms for knowledge
acquisition, supplementing formal education and bridging the gap between academic resources and
underprivileged communities.
Moreover, the impact of DIY Libraries extends far beyond the acquisition of knowledge. By providing
a space where children can freely engage with literature and ideas, these libraries nurture resilience,

confidence, and a thirst for learning, equipping young individua ls with the tools they need to
navigate life challenges and pursue their aspirations.”
While talking about the impact of this project, Archana, from the Green the Blue Trust, Vadodara,
an implementation partner of the project, expressed, “Through engaging in word games, children
enhance their vocabulary. They express their creativity freely through drawing, sharing their
creations with friends. They eagerly participate in reading activities, finding joy in expanding their
knowledge and fostering mental and emotional development.”
Looking ahead, JCB Literature Foundation is committed to expanding the reach of the Qissa Pitara
Project, establishing new libraries in existing regions and forging partnerships in states where there
is a need for such initiatives. Moreover, the organization plans to focus on programming to conduct
regional fairs for children and circulate their stories in newsletters or magazines, celebrating their
rich oral storytelling traditions.