11-year-old Akarshana Sathish, a resident of Hyderabad, Telangana, has undertaken an inspiring initiative by establishing three libraries in the city. Her quest began during the COVID times when she decided to collect books from her family, friends, schoolmates, and neighbors. In total, she managed to gather an impressive collection of 4,834 books, which she used to set up the libraries for children.
The first library, located at MNJ Cancer Children’s Hospital, houses 1,036 books, while the second one, situated at Sanath Nagar Police Station, contains 829 books. Recently, she inaugurated her third library at the Special-cum-Children Home and Observation Home for Girls in Nimboliadda, Kachiguda. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shikha Goel, an officer from the Indian Police Service, and Bharati Hollikeri, from the Indian Administrative Service.
Akarshana’s dedication to this noble cause is inspired by her father, who has been involved in numerous social service works. She aspires to follow in his footsteps and make a positive impact on society.
The third library at the Observation Home for Girls in Nimboliadda consists of a diverse collection of 625 books, including 425 Telugu books, 150 English books, and 50 Hindi books, covering various genres such as fiction, non-fiction, and general knowledge.
Shikha Goel, IPS, commended Akarshana’s thoughtful idea of creating libraries in places where they were previously absent. The young girl’s efforts have inspired many, and in recognition of her initiative, the authorities have offered her a place in the Bharosa center, a facility for victims of crime against women and children. Moreover, she is already planning to establish a fourth library at one of the metro stations in Hyderabad and has received approval to set up a fifth library at a Bharosa center in Siddipet.
Akarshana’s father, Sathish Kumar, expressed his pride in his daughter’s accomplishments and highlighted that she has donated a sanitary pad machine for the girls at the Juvenile Home for Girls using her own savings.
Overall, Akarshana’s philanthropic efforts and passion for promoting reading among children are commendable and serve as an inspiration for others to contribute to society in meaningful ways.
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