The right to Education is not only a constitutional right under Article 21A but a fundamental right that guarantees all children between the ages of 6 and 14 free and compulsory Education. The Shankar-Azaan Library is a testament to his unwavering commitment to educational equality, where children from all castes and religions come together to learn and grow. Though governments are trying to ensure this basic right, other individuals are developing personal initiatives to provide quality education to all children. In the remote village of Mukkuthi in Assam’s Nalbari district, one such inspiring story unfolds through the dedication of Ainul Haque, a young graduate who transformed his tuition earnings into a beacon of hope for underprivileged children.
Such an incredible project demonstrates that personal willpower can cause positive societal waves. When financial constraints and difficult circumstances prevent children from accessing Education, initiatives like Shankar-Azaan Library become lifelines for entire communities. Ainul’s journey from a simple tuition teacher to a community educator demonstrates how passion combined with purpose can overcome the most significant obstacles and create lasting impact.
The Birth of Shankar-Azaan Library – A Story of Determination
Located in Mukkuthi village of Nalbari district, the Shankar-Azaan Library emerged from Ainul Haque’s deep concern for children deprived of quality education. In an interview with the media representatives, Ainul indicated that his area lacked a proper library facility, which encouraged him to start the unique institution. “We wanted to create interest in reading among students from our region and provide them with a proper learning environment for their overall development,” Ainul shared with enthusiasm. The library’s name reflects the secular and inclusive vision of its founder. Shankar-Azaan represents the harmony between different religious communities, embodying the unity in diversity that India proudly upholds.
Ainul used to earn money by giving private tuition classes after his graduation in Political Science, which he used to buy books and install this community resource. He wanted to provide the books and establish an environment in which students with different backgrounds could interact, learn about each other, and learn to love reading and learning. Students of different communities visit the library, which shows that Education can bring people together regardless of religious and social backgrounds.
Beyond Books – Centre of Learning and Cultural Activities
The Shankar-Azaan Library operates as much more than a traditional book repository. Ainul has facilitated cultural events and academic competitions every Sunday involving more than 50 students, creating an atmosphere of healthy competition and community participation. Such weekly activities are beneficial because they allow students to become more confident, demonstrate their talents, and connect with peers with other backgrounds. Additionally, Ainul and his elder brother Moinul provide free tuition to 50-60 students from classes 6th to 12th, ensuring that financial constraints don’t hinder academic success.
Ainul’s multifaceted personality adds unique dimensions to the library experience. He is a successful author who has written over 60 books and published various magazines targeting student readers. His artistic skills are also reflected all over the library with beautiful paintings, especially his specialisation in leaf paintings, decorating the entire place, making it a motivating and appealing learning atmosphere. “My library attracts students from all religions,” Ainul proudly states, “and I couldn’t have chosen a better name than Shankar-Azaan Library.
I want to live with the ideals of harmony and brotherhood that this name represents.” This comprehensive system of learning and Education, which integrates the academic subjects with arts and culture, enables the students to build a balanced personality, besides building understanding and respect amongst the communities.
Challenges and Dreams – Creating a Better Tomorrow
Although his initiative has had a significant impact, Ainul encountered great financial difficulties in expanding and improving the library facilities. The young teacher has been operating the whole business on his own tuition fees savings, which restricts the extent of changes he can make. Although he has been able to buy many books with his income, the library needs good furniture, bookshelves and good storage space to accommodate the increasing number of books. The inadequacy of the infrastructure usually limits the number of students who may comfortably use the facility simultaneously. However, these financial constraints haven’t dampened Ainul’s spirits or long-term vision for rural Assam’s educational transformation.
He envisions such libraries being set up in every village in the state. He feels this would go a long way in enhancing interest in reading, language skills and literary knowledge among the young and the future generations. His end objective is to develop a chain of community-based learning centres that can complement the formal education system and offer equal education opportunities to all children without considering their socio-economic status. Ainul’s story represents the beautiful tapestry of stories connecting people across India – tales of individuals who refuse to accept limitations and become catalysts for positive change in their communities, proving that extraordinary things can emerge from ordinary circumstances when fueled by genuine compassion and determination.
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