Young Hyderabad Girl’s Inspiring Library Mission

Akarshana Sathish, an 11-year-old student from Hyderabad, is making a big impact with her mission to establish libraries. Despite facing challenges, she has already set up seven libraries, five in Hyderabad and one each in Chennai and Coimbatore. Her motivation came during the pandemic, as she frequently visited a cancer hospital, where she befriended a young patient. This encounter inspired her to create libraries for children undergoing treatment.

Akarshana’s libraries have collected and donated over 5,120 books so far, focusing on general knowledge, fiction, non-fiction, and books in various languages. Her libraries are located in unexpected places, like police stations, where people can read while waiting. Akarshana’s enthusiasm for reading was nurtured by her father’s social service work, and she dreams of becoming an astrophysicist. Despite her impressive efforts, she maintains her dedication to academics and has consistently ranked among the top three students in her class.

Her project has received support from her teachers, school friends, and family. Akarshana’s story is a testament to the power of empathy, determination, and a young mind’s ability to make a meaningful difference.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The South First