These open-access bookshelves, started with his personal funds, are now accessible at bus stops, hospitals, and parks, encouraging people of all ages to rediscover books.

A Vision to Promote Reading

Kumara conceived the idea upon realizing that in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, people seldom reach for books. “In this era of mobile phones, people rarely touch books. It is saddening, so I thought I must do something about this. I felt public places, especially bus stops, are the best places to bring back attention to books,” he shared.

To turn this vision into reality, he initially established ‘Pustaka Goodus’ at 17 gram panchayat bus stops, selecting locations where people often wait for long periods. Seeing the positive response, the initiative has since expanded to 268 locations, including hospitals and parks. The book nests cater to a wide audience, offering novels, general knowledge books, science and technology resources, children’s literature, and even academic materials for students preparing for competitive exams.


Always Open, Always Free

What makes this initiative stand out is its accessibility. Unlike traditional libraries, ‘Pustaka Goodus’ are never locked. People can pick up a book and read at any time of the day. This unique approach ensures that knowledge is freely available to anyone interested, whether they are commuters, villagers, patients waiting at hospitals, or children playing in parks.

One of the book nests in Mangaluru’s Wenlock District Hospital has been particularly well-received. Instead of scrolling through their phones, people waiting to see doctors now find themselves engrossed in books and newspapers available at the facility.


Addressing Concerns About Theft


With open shelves and no monitoring, one might wonder—what if the books are stolen? Kumara’s response to this concern is both lighthearted and profound: “Then they are really book lovers!”

The initiative thrives on trust and community participation. Many books are donated by individuals and libraries, and the collections are rotated every couple of months to maintain variety. With a modest budget of around ₹2,000 per location, the program remains cost-effective while maximizing its impact.


A Self-Funded Initiative with Growing Support

One remarkable aspect of ‘Pustaka Goodus’ is that no government funds have been utilized. Kumara personally funded the project’s inception, and as it gained traction, companies stepped in with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions to support the initiative. In areas like Ujire town, these funds have helped enhance the book nests, though the primary focus remains on accessibility rather than aesthetics.

To ensure the sustainability of the program, local gram panchayat officials and elected representatives have been given the responsibility of maintaining the book nests. Their role includes keeping the shelves clean and replenishing the books regularly.


National Recognition and Future Expansion

Kumara’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. The initiative earned appreciation from the Union Ministry of Panchayat Raj and was selected for the prestigious Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar in 2022.

As the demand for ‘Pustaka Goodus’ grows, there is hope that this model will be replicated in other districts across India. By making books more accessible in everyday spaces, Kumara’s initiative is fostering a reading culture that benefits individuals and communities alike.

A Call for More Book Nests

The success of ‘Pustaka Goodus’ demonstrates that even in the digital age, books can still hold a special place in people’s lives—if only they are made available. This initiative is a testament to the power of one person’s vision and dedication in bringing about meaningful change. With more support from communities and institutions, similar projects could soon spread across the country, reigniting a love for reading in public spaces everywhere.

IAS officer Kumara’s efforts prove that small, thoughtful actions can create a significant impact. His ‘Pustaka Goodus’ are not just bookshelves; they are symbols of knowledge, trust, and a shared commitment to learning.