Could children contribute towards restoring rare books? Mumbai First, along with the Asiatic Library, are offering an opportunity to children (and their parents) to do just that, while learning about the historical importance of the library, as well as participating in other book events.
“Reading has gone down in general, and so have the number of libraries. It is essential that children are introduced to books, a culture of exploring libraries, and getting first-hand experience of the historical aspects of our city,” said Shishir Joshi, CEO of Mumbai First.
It costs ₹9,000 to digitise one rare book, and Mr. Joshi is banking on the extensive line-up of reading sessions of children’s books from October 3 to 8, and stoking their curiosity about the Fort area, to raise funds. The book “adopted” by a child would bear her or his name on a website. Among those that will be digitised are the original Italian manuscript of Dante’s Divine Comedy, 16th century Sanskrit manuscript Aranyaka Parva of the Mahabharata and the Sopara relics.
Mr. Joshi is hoping to raise ₹9 lakh during this week, and thus restore 100 rare books. Funds are also being raised through an online crowdfunding platform. Evening events include a curated walk on the history and architecture of Asiatic Library, a workshop on robotics, and launch of a book about the people of Mumbai.
* Open to children ages 6—13 years, and accompanying adults
* To register, email himani@mumbaifirst.org with
details of your child’s name and age
* To adopt a book through donation: https://www.impactguru.com/fundraiser/help-mumbai-first
