“Coforge is a prominent global IT Services and Solutions Provider headquartered in Noida, (India). The Company specializes in artificial intelligence engineering, data, cloud, and digital integration. It focuses primarily on sectors like travel, insurance, banking, and financial services.”
As part of their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities, Coforge proposes to open free Public Libraries in Delhi (In their words they propose to open one Free Public Library in every pin code of the city). They have, at present, one in Gurgaon, one in Greater Noida, one in Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) and one in Vasant Kunj (Delhi). Last week, on Didi’s birthday, we visited the one at Vasant Kunj – at the far end of the city.
The Library is spread over 10,000 Sq.Ft. of space in a Mall with a good collection of 15000 plus books in English, Hindi and Braille. One time registration is online and free but if one wants to borrow a book then a membership fee of Rs. 1000/- will be charged. The fee is refundable. One book will be issued at a time for a fortnight each extendable to one month provided the reader gets the book reissued after completion of the period of initial issuance.
We (I, Didi and B-I-L) had a great time browsing through the various sections – fiction as well as non-fiction. I had fun almost reading half way through a graphic novel. Didi skimmed through more serious stuff. While checking out we asked the librarian whether Coforge has any plan of opening a library down our side to which she replied in the affirmative elaborating that the CM, while inaugurating this library, has promised them space for one in her constituency of which our area is a part. I hope the CM keeps her promise.
No gadgets are allowed inside the library. Use of mobile is also not permissible. So we couldn’t take any pics. But I found a link to an Instagram reel which I am sharing here.
As an outing without feasting is simply not done we had a simple South Indian lunch in one of the eateries in the Mall. As we came out of the restaurant we spotted a stall selling books at a heavily discounted rate on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan which falls on the 28th of this month. It’s the day sisters tie rakhi on their brothers’ wrist and brothers promise to take care of their sisters throughout their lives.
I bought three books – all kid stuff including one Enyd Blyton (The Famous Five), one Sudha Murthy (Noonie’s Adventures Series) and the classic Anne Frank’s Diary (which was gifted to me by my cousin but I somehow misplaced it). After strolling a bit inside the Mall and buying a few household articles we called it a day.
Keeping my fingers crossed that the library opens soon near home.
PS: WP has informed that I have utilised 90% of my allotted free space. Once the remaining 10% gets utilised uploading of posts, images, videos etc. will not be allowed. WP is offering Upgrade Plans for a paid site. Wondering which one to opt for. Any suggestions?
That’s a nice-looking library. 🤩
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Yes, it is. 😊
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I use a business plan
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What is a business plan ?
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What plan are you on, and how many gigs have you used?
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https://wordpress.com/pricing/
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Thank you so much Derrrick 🙏
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What a wonderful initiative may more such libraries bring the joy of reading closer to everyone. 📚🤍🦋
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Amen.
You are absolutely correct Rajeshwari. Reading should again be made into a habit.
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I think it’s wonderful that this company is opening libraries in individual communities. Access to knowledge is always welcome. 🙂
As for your space issue, you may want to consider removing old image files or deleting your oldest posts if you don’t want to pay for more storage. I’m not sure if WordPress offers the same plans in all areas, so I can’t offer a recommendation.
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I think that’s a good idea of deleting old posts and images.. I will try that. Thank you so much for the advice.
As regards the accessibility to knowledge, Coforge doing a commendable job.
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I got the one which is $8 per month. It offers 3GB of data storage. I think it’s a good deal and if you buy 2 years worth of membership, it’s cheaper.
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Thank you Sadje for the information. I will check whether that offer is still there.
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It should be. My own renewal is next month.
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Nice to see free libraries! I can spend an entire day in one! 🙂
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Me too …and it’s got a good collection of books to borrow home too.
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What a wonderful and meaningful initiative!
A 10,000-square-meter library with books in various formats is a true treasure.
I truly hope the Prime Minister keeps his promise and that a branch can soon open near your home.
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Thank you very much Luisa. I hope so too.
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You’re more than welcome!
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A lovely outing, Geeta ji! The library sounds wonderful, and I hope one opens near your home soon. Loved the book shopping part too. 😊📚
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Thank you Maha. I hope so too that the library opens soon.
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Inculcating the art of reading in younger generation can be achieved by such initiatives.
Here also I heard some individuals have opened libraries in far flung areas
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Good initiative to make knowledge accessible to all
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We had an IPS officer Mr.Basant Rath from Orrisa who helped hundreds of poor students prepare for competitive examinations by providing them books free of cost.Kashmiris remember him as Book Baba.
He is still doing the noble job.
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Compared to the magnitude of the work and vastness of the country and the enormous number of people requiring such services his contribution may be very small but such little little good deeds cumulate to produce results.
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A wonderful initiative that combines the joy of reading with genuine community service. It reminds me of Delhi Public Schools of our childhood days in Delhi. Hopefully, more such libraries will soon open across Delhi, especially closer to residential neighbourhoods. And what a lovely way to round off the outing—with books, food, and memories! 📚😊
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Yes, it is a very good CSR activity by Coforge. Hope many such libraries open in the city. Thank you so much Indrajit.
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tht sounds wonderful GC! I love going to the library. But well, I love to read, so no surprise there, lol!
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Thanks Carol Anne. I love reading too
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