Minanath Dadmal
Today, I decided to take a few children from Bediya to the Nagpur Books Exhibition.
This was not just a trip; it was an experience that would open new doors of reading in the children’s lives.
The journey began by visiting the children’s homes. I asked each child, “Do you want to go to the Books Exhibition in Nagpur?”
As soon as they heard this question, excitement sparkled in their eyes. All of them answered in one voice, “Yes!”
But I knew that the children’s readiness alone was not enough; getting permission from their parents was equally important.
Some parents seemed hesitant at first. Their concern was natural. I spoke to them calmly and explained what the children would gain from this program how they would be introduced to books and how their interest in reading would grow. Gradually, the hesitation on their faces began to fade. Some parents were extremely positive in their response. “Children should go out and experience such things,” they said. That trust and support brought immense happiness to my heart.
Then the day finally arrived. We all reached the Books Exhibition. Surrounded by book stalls, colorful covers, and a vibrant reading atmosphere, the children were thrilled. While walking around the stalls, a child would sometimes pick up a book and happily say, “Sir, we have read this book before!”
Hearing that proud tone filled my heart with joy.
The children wanted to buy many books, but there was a financial limitation. They bought only a few books, yet the happiness in their eyes was priceless. Holding the books felt as if they had discovered a treasure. After returning home, they read the books they had bought aloud to me. There was confidence in their voices and joy on their faces. At that moment, I realized that this journey had truly been meaningful.
This day, this experience, and the joy shining in the children’s eyes made the entire journey unforgettable and deeply meaningful for me.