“Thopudu Bandi” (Trolley Cart) and its Services in Telangana, India

Abstract

Libraries are the knowledge hubs where wisdom could be acquired freely. In modern days, libraries have become part of human life, and with globalization, information is shared without boundaries. This is about one side of a coin, but the other side, many rural areas, even most of the communal areas, have not been touched by the book. The concept of “Thopudu Bandi" (one who pushes the cart with hands like a vegetable vendor/fruit vendor) is introduced to overcome this situation. The main objective of this study is to explore how the concept of "Thopudu Bandi” inculcates the habit of reading books in public, and to know how the concept of Thopudu Bandi can bridge the gap in reading capability and education. The ‘Thopudu Bandi’ concept had vibrantly changed lifestyle of the public living in remote and slum areas, where basic needs and transportation were a big challenge. Further, this concept had reached to the unreached. This service was initiated on 24th January 2016 with an aim of 100 days, travel 1000 Kilometers to remote areas and introduce the library concept (book) to the unreached. This endevour was accomplished. The founder spent a considerable amount (nearly 30 lakhs) on books and other amenities, establishing 139 libraries with a collection of 10,000 books for competitive and other exams in rural areas of Telangana from his earnings in a single year. This article revealed the situation of the unreached people and how they benefited from the concept of "Thopudu Bandi". The research was based on an interview with the founder and a survey method from beneficiaries. Questionnaires were prepared and distributed to 190 members. Out of 190 distributed, 176 filled questionnaires were returned.Most of the beneficiary group had cherished their lives by adopting and acquiring these privileges. It is suggested that the government and educational institutions should also implement this type of service to provide more education to the underprivileged people in the society.