The Library Initiative Broadens Education Access in Tribal Areas of Nashik. Initiative led by Pramod Gaikwad and SNF has established 29 community libraries since 2020 In the remote tribal belts of Nashik, where access to books and study spaces was once almost nonexistent, a grassroots initiative is quietly reshaping the educational landscape. The effort is led by Pramod Gopalrao Gaikwad, who grew up in a rural village of Maharashtra. The son of teachers, Gaikwad witnessed firsthand how children from tribal families were left behind for lack of resources, even as he pursued higher education. That experience later shaped his decision to work toward bridging the educational divide. A Movement Begins In 2010, Gaikwad founded the Social Networking Forum (SNF), which a decade later launched what is now called the SNF Library Movement. The idea was simple: transform unused community halls into study spaces stocked with books, newspapers, and reference materials. The first library opened on 3 January 2020 in Savarne village, Peth Taluka, on the birth anniversary of social reformer Savitribai Phule. Villagers marked the occasion with a procession of books and cultural performances before turning the hall into a study center. Soon, students began filling the space, and neighboring villages started requesting libraries of their own. Community at the Core The initiative relies heavily on community ownership. Gram Panchayats provide space, while villagers help manage and maintain the facilities. Funding for furniture and books comes through donations, CSR contributions, and individual supporters. “By keeping ownership with the village, we built trust that these libraries belong to the people who use them,” Gaikwad explained in a recent community meeting. Each library costs under ₹4 lakh to establish. The model has proved cost-effective, giving students a chance to study close to home without paying for travel or accommodation in towns. Impact on Youth Within five years, 29 SNF libraries have been set up across Nashik’s tribal areas. These spaces are now used daily by students preparing for competitive exams or continuing higher education. Online mentoring sessions with teachers from cities have also been introduced, offering additional guidance. According to SNF, more than a hundred students from these libraries have secured government jobs in the last five years. For many families, this has been a first, signaling both economic stability and social mobility. Among them is Prakash Bhoye, recently selected as a Police Sub-Inspector. He credited the library in his village for giving him access to competitive exam books and the motivation to stay disciplined. “The coordinators kept us focused when distractions were everywhere. For me, the library became the foundation of my preparation and success,” he said. Girls, too, are finding encouragement to continue their studies rather than leaving school early, with parents pointing to the libraries as a safe and reliable place for learning. Changing Social Fabric Beyond academics, the libraries have altered community life. Once-idle community halls now serve as study hubs, reducing youth involvement in unproductive activities. Villagers say the initiative has revived a culture of reading and created an environment where education is valued. “This is the first time my daughter has had access to daily newspapers and reference books,” said a parent from one of the villages. “It has changed her outlook on what she can achieve.” Looking Ahead By September 2025, the network had grown to 29 libraries, with requests from more villages continuing to arrive. While sustaining funding remains a challenge, Gaikwad and his team of volunteers believe the model can be replicated widely. For many in Nashik’s tribal belts, these modest community libraries have become more than just study rooms. They represent a chance at a different future — one built on education, opportunity, and the collective effort of local communities.