Bhubaneswar Police, in collaboration with Bakul Library, has inaugurated a vibrant community library in Isaneswar slum, aimed at facilitating education and empowerment among school dropouts. The initiative not only strives to reintroduce children to the joy of reading but also serves as a deterrent against negative influences and criminal activities.

The library, established as part of the Bhubaneswar police's 'Basti Ku Chala Abhiyan' (Campaign to Transform Slums), offers a wide range of resources, including storybooks, study materials for competitive exams, and subject-specific books. The objective is to create a conducive learning environment for children and youth residing in the slum, where space for studying is limited.

The inspiration for the community library came from a successful library exposure trip organized by the Commissionerate Police, during which children from slums visited the Bakul Library in Satya Nagar. One incident involving a 15-year-old boy, who developed a keen interest in reading during these visits, further motivated the authorities. Following this positive outcome, the police decided to extend the initiative to slums with high dropout rates and children who have never attended school.

Isaneswar slum is the first community library to be established under this program. Police Mitras will manage the library, and regular activities and engagement sessions will be organized for the children and youth. Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Singh, who had previously opened three 'Sahi' libraries during his tenure at Cuttack, aims to replicate the success of those facilities in other slums with the support of the local community.

The Bhubaneswar Police's endeavor to promote literacy and education among school dropouts is a commendable step towards empowering marginalized communities and providing equal opportunities for growth and development.