Sirsa village library powers dreams — 40 youths clear CET

A small community library at Phoolkan village in the district, built with the efforts of the local gram panchayat, has turned into a major support system for unemployed youths preparing for competitive exams.

A year after its launch, the library has delivered a remarkable achievement — all 40 students who came here to study regularly — have cleared the Common Eligibility Test (CET). The success has brought pride and jubilation to the entire village.

According to library in-charge Karan Singh, the Phoolkan gram panchayat started the facility last year with a goal of providing a dedicated space for young men and women aiming for government jobs. In the beginning, only a few students visited the library. Over the time, as more youths learnt about the quiet environment and free resources at the library, the number of regular visitors increased to 40. Around 20 of them are young women, who now come daily to prepare for various exams.

Rajesh Kumar, a student and a regular visitor to the library, said he had found good study environment, along with the books he needed for the preparation. After clearing the CET, he feels confident to crack higher competitive exams.

To honour the achievement of the youths, the village council organised a special programme. Sarpanch Kailash Rathi said it is rare to see that all students from a single coaching or study centre clearing an exam together. This, indeed, is a big moment for the village, he added.

He said the library has helped many students, who otherwise could not afford expensive books and study material required to prepare for the competitive exams. “The library gave them access to the resources they needed, along with a peaceful atmosphere that helped them concentrate on studies,” he said.

The successful candidates were presented with sweets and stationery as a token of appreciation. Community members praised the discipline and hard work of the students and the efforts of the panchayat in supporting education.

The event was attended by several villagers. Many of them felt that the library has given a hope to families, who dream of seeing their children secure a stable future.

Phoolkan’s library, once a modest initiative, has now emerged as an example of how small community efforts can create meaningful change, said a local community leader.