In the quiet rural area of Bihar, India, a unique educational initiative is transforming lives and aspirations. Rohan and Rishabh Jha of Cinco Ranch High School, two young changemakers, have established two fully functional libraries that now serve over 400 students. Stocked with more than 1,000 books on literature, science, mathematics, health, and inspirational topics, these libraries have quickly become hubs of knowledge, curiosity, and hope.
Within just three months of opening, nearly 40% of students began using the library regularly. New books and resources are continually being added, and a recent survey found that about 70% of students visit multiple times a week. Every respondent agreed that the library has improved both their studies and their interest in learning. On Independence Day of India (15 August), 18 students were recognized for their library engagement. Notably, 60% of these awardees were girls and 40% were boys, underscoring that when given equal access to resources, girls excel rapidly. Hundreds of books have already been distributed, and many students now dream of becoming teachers, doctors, or leaders, ambitions that seemed impossible only months ago.
To further strengthen the initiative, the libraries are now expanding beyond books. Rohan and Rishabh have introduced newspaper and magazine subscriptions to broaden students’ awareness of current events, science, and social issues. These resources aim to cultivate critical thinking, expose students to real-world developments, and nurture a deeper understanding of society and the world around them.
Students themselves have voiced the library’s impact. A Class 6 student shared, “Our school library has become a center for intellectual, mental, and physical development.” Another remarked, “The library is like a reference book for many of my subjects.” One smiling student noted, “Not just me, my mother also now borrows books from the library.” A Class 8 student reflected, “I have learned about library management and how books and resources are preserved, it’s an important lesson for us.”
A senior math teacher and library in charge, Mr. Nikhil Kumar Jha, observed, “The library is not only having a transformative and inspiring impact on students but also on the entire village. It fosters a love for reading and has improved the language and literacy skills of regular visitors. I hope to see similar initiatives in many other villages of Bihar in the coming years.”
When the library was first established, no one imagined it would spark such deep and lasting change. To sustain its impact, Rohan and Rishabh remain actively involved in coordinating operations and monitoring progress. What began as a simple project, powered by the collective effort of teachers, the school management committee, and the community, is now a force that is empowering education and inspiring transformation, one book, one student, and one village at a time.
