Lokkatha Library and Clinic Inaugurated in Hooghly's Puin Village
A significant cultural and educational milestone was achieved in rural West Bengal with the inauguration of the Lokkatha Library and Clinic in Puin village, located in the Hooghly district. The centre officially opened its doors to the public on January 4, marking the culmination of a deeply personal and community-driven vision that has been years in the making.
A Dream Realised Through Dedication and Community Support
The concept of Lokkatha was first conceived back in 2007, with material groundwork beginning in 2019. This initiative represents a long-cherished dream brought to life through persistent thought, labour, and unwavering commitment. The project was founded by Shantanu Ghosh, a psychotherapist and psycho counsellor, and Anindita Datta, a professor at Bethune College.
With an investment of approximately ₹40 lakh, entirely funded through the founders' decade-long personal savings, Lokkatha aims to provide free library services and affordable educational programs to rural residents. The initiative has garnered strong support from the local community, reflecting its grassroots appeal and relevance.
"Puin holds a deeply personal significance for me. My father once taught at Golta village, and this library now stands on a half-built structure that has been transformed into a vibrant cultural and educational space," shared Anindita Datta, highlighting the emotional and historical connections underpinning the project.
Strong Community Engagement and Daily Operations
Since its opening, Lokkatha has already attracted over 100 members and welcomes 30-40 daily visitors, including a significant number of students. The facility operates daily from 3 pm to 5 pm under the supervision of Bapan Malik, who oversees its smooth functioning.
"The people of Puin village have accepted Lokkatha with open arms. It is not just students who frequent the centre daily. Even common villagers, farmers, and workers drop in out of curiosity and genuine interest," Malik noted, emphasising the broad-based community engagement.
Extensive Resources and Educational Programs
The library boasts an extensive collection of books spanning diverse genres such as literature, philosophy, religion, and science. A unique aspect of Lokkatha is its focus on helping villagers develop knowledge through their own cultural perspectives rather than imposing urban viewpoints, fostering a sense of identity and empowerment.
Beyond the library, Lokkatha offers a range of affordable educational programs:
- Language courses in English and Hindi for just ₹20, and Spanish for ₹50, led by notable educators and translators including Tarun Kumar Ghatak, Soumyakanti Roy, Sanghita Reza, and Pinki Singh.
- Theatre training available at ₹20 per month under the guidance of renowned theatre personality Subhasis Gangopadhyay.
- Monthly film screenings in partnership with the Arambagh Cine Club, enriching the cultural offerings.
Philosophy of Education and Community Learning
Founder Shantanu Ghosh elaborated on the educational philosophy driving Lokkatha: "People already possess inherent knowledge, even if they don't always realise it. Education is not merely about pouring information into someone's mind. It is about creating spaces where people can meet, talk, share experiences, and learn from one another."
This approach underscores Lokkatha's commitment to fostering collaborative learning and community dialogue, positioning it as more than just a library but a holistic hub for cultural and intellectual exchange in rural Bengal.
