Seeds of Change

Nirupama Kaushik embarked on a mission fueled by a deep love for books and a belief in the power of education. As an educator working with school librarians and teachers, Nirupama understands the pivotal role libraries play in shaping communities. Her
childhood love for libraries inspired a passion for reading that she carried
into her work. In an interview, Nirupama highlighted the relevance of libraries
in the digital age, seeing them as builders of communities and sanctuaries for reflection.

For Nirupama, cultivating a reading culture is about more than enhancing vocabulary—it is about instilling empathy. Characters and conflicts from stories linger, shaping perspectives long after the last page. A good library, complemented by a passionate librarian, becomes a catalyst for exploring diverse stories and nurturing perspectives.

To build this culture, Nirupama takes intentional steps. Providing free access to resources, conducting engaging activities, and making the library the heart of the school are her key strategies. Literary fests, book clubs, and celebrations like World Read Aloud Day become threads that weave the school community together.

An incident with a third-grade student showcased the power of stories as a tool for communication and problem-solving. The character Edwina, who embraced life despite external judgments, became a source of strength for a third-standard student.

Describing the ideal library, Nirupama paints a vivid picture—a
welcoming space, well-lit and ventilated, with comfortable seating, dust-free
shelves, and areas for displays and community activities. She advocates for
removing “Silence Please” signs, emphasizing the crucial role of a good librarian.

Looking ahead, Nirupama foresees challenges. Lack of investment in
keeping libraries relevant in the digital age and the fading stamina for
reading are her deep concerns. Libraries need to innovate and create
platforms for people to come together and read. Additionally, she stresses the need for schools to invest in the professional development of librarians.

According to Nirupama Kaushik, education in India is unfolded—when the library is directed by passion and empathy, in the belief that libraries, when embraced, are seeds of knowledge that transform communities. Philanthropists, educators, and principals take note: it’s time to build libraries, for within the pages of books lies the promise of a brighter, more enlightened future.