HAPPY CHILDREN’S LIBRARY is the foremost initiative of Kailashpushp Educational Trust based in Seem, a village nestled in the hills of Uttarakhand. Established in June 2016 as both library and activity centre, it has evolved to become a vibrant space for children through whom activities of the trust are moulded.

Each book has been meticulously curated and selected by Jaya, ensuring that material is specialised and suitable for the needs of each child. Today, the library boasts of over two thousand storybooks, primarily in Hindi. This choice is intentional – in order to cultivate an interest in reading and hone the habit in a language that is familiar and comfortable. The books are arranged level-wise so younger children to have access to books appropriate for them and have discovered a newfound joy.

The development of the library has occurred organically. Therefore each new addition has been blended in  smoothly and purposefully with its ethos. It is now a beloved space for not only the children of Seem but also for those from surrounding villages such as Dhon, Byasi, Siltona, Bamatana, Dhauna, and Jogyari.

 The activities of the library also include a more conventional education. Regular tuitions are conducted in an array of subjects, ranging from the typical mathematics and science to creative writing and crafts. This is also includes exposure visits and field trips. During the Covid-19 lockdown, the library became an integral part of the education of approximately one hundred children; providing them with the support needed to continue their academic lives in an deeply uncertain time. The children were familiarised with the know-hows of online education while also being able to engage with their peers and locally available resource persons. Instead of simply confining ourselves to a singular space, we have established an outreach programme that involves setting up libraries in five different schools.

The library has also metamorphosed into a community space for the celebration of festivals, health camps and aanganwadi initiatives. In February of 2020 it partnered with Metores Trust and arranged ‘Khushi Ka Ek Din’ – a day which celebrated over three-hundred women.  

Ever growing and adapting to the wants of the people, a recent addition to the trust umbrella  has been the Vocational Training initiative that teaches women, both young and old, how to sew.  Thanks to this, the women have now formed Self Help Group.

The trust has also provided special assistance to the community during the Covid pandemic and the recent floods in the area by way of distribution of ration kits, woollens and a health outreach in collaboration with partners.