Bansa Community Library: Empowering Dalit and Backward Class Children with Free Education in UP Village

New Delhi. Bansa village, situated about 60 kilometers from Hardoi district in Uttar Pradesh, is setting a new example in education. Where children from Dalit and backward communities once felt compelled to leave their village for better studies, they are now learning for free in their own community at the Bansa Community Library—reading, growing, and shaping their dreams.

Bansa has a population of around 11,000, with a majority belonging to Scheduled Castes. Due to a lack of education and resources, children here often remained disconnected from learning. But in 2018, when Jatin Lalit dreamed of opening a library in his village, the tide began to turn.

The village temple committee supported this social initiative by providing space near the temple premises. With crowdfunding efforts from Jatin and outside well-wishers, the library’s foundation was laid in December 2020. Gradually, this effort evolved into what is now known as the Bansa Community Library.

After completing his schooling, Jatin moved to Delhi to study law. During his time there, he got involved with a community library project that completely changed his perspective. He saw how a space—free from the barriers of caste, religion, or gender—could bring people together purely for learning.

Jatin realized that his village needed something similar. When he returned to Bansa during the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to bring books to the children of his community.

Beyond Just Books

Today, the Bansa Community Library has around 2,600 registered children, with 100 to 120 visiting daily—all without any fees. But the library is not limited to just books. It also offers:

• Free computer education

• Career counseling sessions

• Discussions on social justice

A Pathway for Dalit and Backward Communities

Most residents of Bansa come from economically and socially marginalized backgrounds. Many children could not afford to study outside the village—lacking both funds and resources.

The Bansa Community Library has emerged as an opportunity for these children, who were long deprived of their right to education.

In a conversation with The Mooknayak, Jatin, the library’s founder, said, "Our village was once dominated by illicit liquor. There was no awareness about education. But now, children are reading books, discussions about studies are happening in the village, and this change is far greater than we ever hoped for."

Launching a Pop-Up Library for Women

To increase women’s participation, the library initiated a new program. A survey revealed that girls aged 14 to 16 were unable to visit the library, primarily due to lack of permission from their families or restrictions after marriage.

Niharika, the library’s director, told The Mooknayak that they addressed this issue by starting a "Pop-Up Library." Under this initiative, the team sets up a temporary library at different locations in the village every week. Along with books, the pop-up includes storytelling sessions and open-mic activities.

"Now, women are engaging on their own—from 14-year-old girls to 60-year-old women," Niharika explained. "They’re getting access to books and a platform to interact with each other. This initiative is boosting their confidence."

Challenges Were Many, But Determination Was Stronger

For Jatin and his team, starting the library was not easy. Limited resources, indifference from some villagers, and lack of experience posed hurdles. Yet, they persisted. Slowly, trust grew, and today, the library has become a community-driven movement.

What began as a small effort has now turned into a symbol of change—proving that when education is made accessible, entire communities can rise.