Odisha couple set up a library from marriage reception funds

In a unique gesture, a young couple from Odisha set up a children’s library in Bhubaneswar from funds raised on their marriage reception.

While young Indians are going in for big fat weddings, Pintu Bhattacharya and his wife Aparajita Mohanty from Bhubaneswar are different. The library inaugurated at Chandrasekharpur area has 500 books and a bustling activity centre for children of the locality.

The couple have invested around Rs 25,000 in setting up the library. “I sincerely believe that books are a man’s best friends. Apart from books, the library has a scope for other creative activities in which children can be engaged. We have plans to invite experts on various subjects and story tellers too in the future to make the place more happening,” said Pintu Bhattacharya, an IT professional.

“My husband and I are voracious readers. We have also been associated with Bakul Pathagar that spearheaded the library movement in Odisha. Besides, libraries are slowly disappearing. This was the reason we decided not to have a lavish wedding and instead do something good for the society. A children’s library was the first thing that struck us,” said Aparajita, also an IT professional.

The couple had put up a wish-tree at the marriage reception venue and guests were requested to fulfil the wishes written on the tree. These included donating books, bookshelves and other furniture, apart from toys for the library.

WATCH: Udit Narayan performs in Bhubaneswar