Head constable starts free library in Shindewadi, Bhor taluka, with over 1,000 titles.
A writer in the police department, his job is to note down people’s complaints at the police station. But head constable Rajendra Gosavi (45) has a vision beyond the call of duty. Realising that education alone can help youths change their future, Gosavi decided to start a library in his village.
The library is not for entertainment, but has books on competitive exams for youths to excel in life. Today, the library has more than a thousand books in English, Marathi and Hindi. There are 100 members, and no membership fee. All this was done by Gosavi single-handedly on a monthly salary of around Rs25,000.
Gosavi’s initiative started 15 years ago in Shindewadi village in Bhor taluka of the district, around 20 km from Pune. His efforts have borne fruit - two boys from his village were appointed police sub inspectors and practically became his bosses. Another boy from his village has become a lawyer.
Gosavi himself struggled to get good books in his school days. “Our village did not have a library when I was in school. After completing my secondary education, I joined Maharashtra police force in 1986. It was quite tough for me to find time for reading, but I used to buy at least five to six books a month and read extensively,” he recalled.
An insight into how a small public library works provided him with the idea of starting a library for his village. Gosavi said, “In 1998, I was posted at Manchar police station. I joined a public library there and spent two hours daily reading. The librarian became my friend and he taught me how a library works. Later, I decided to start a library in my village. I started off with a small library in my house. I requested the Gram Panchayat to provide space for it and I was given a room. Today about 100 people, mostly youth, are members of library.”
Gosavi said the library has proved useful for students in the adjacent villages.
Cop scripts success story of village youths
“The school and college students from Sasewadi, Gogalwadi and Jejau Nagar have become members of the library and are studying everyday.”
“Five youths from our village are preparing for UPSC and MPSC examinations. As per their demand, I bought examinations-related books.” Gosavi added.
He said that the library tasted success when two students who used to study at the library joined the Maharashtra police. “On seeing them, I feel proud,” said Gosavi.
Gosavi is presently working for the protection of civil rights cell as he is on deputation at Pune rural police headquarter. He lives with his wife and a son.
@DIGHESANDIPDGH
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