Library run by a mother in Patna in memoir of her son

Patna, Rakesh Kumar Library in Srikrishnapuri area is the endeavour of a mother to preserve the memory of her son after his untimely death.

The library, set up 22 years ago, is a godsend for youths of the area preparing for competitive examinations. It subscribes to various magazines and journals that can be accessed for a minimum fee.

But for Madhuri Gajendra Narain (72), the founder, the library is a source of catharsis as it ensures that her son (after whom the library is named) is remembered.

“After the death of my son, I went into depression. My family members went back to their regular lives, but I brooded over the books my son left behind. I decided to set up a library because seeing children read makes me very happy,” said the septuagenarian mother.

Her son would have also been very happy to see his books helping youths, she said. Rajesh was a lecturer in the history department of BD College in Patna and his only passion was books.

“He believed education was everyone’s birthright and transcended all social hierarchy,” said Madhuri.

After a heart attack cut short Rajesh’s life at the age of 30 in 1987, his mother set up the library in their house.

At first there was only one room and a few books.

But as the number of students increased, the library expanded to four rooms. Countless numbers of books jostle for space on the shelves.

“The number of books increased with time,” said Madhuri.

The members can borrow most of them for a meagre fee of Rs 25 per month.

There are now 6,000 books covering various subjects like history, politics, anthropology, chemistry, physics, literature and latest editions of general knowledge books.

At first, the library was used to impart education to children from poor families. But now a large number of students, preparing for competitive exams, also visit the place to access various journals and encyclopaedia.

The library is open from Monday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm.

Madhuri’s husband Gajendra Narain, a retired IPS officer, chips in to assist her in running the library.

He also guides students preparing for competitive exams. “I was very fortunate to know about this library and be guided by an IPS officer,” said Rahul Raman, who cleared the admission test for Indian Military Academy in Dehradun recently.

“I shall be forever grateful to them for their help,” he added.

“After I retired, I thought it would be a good idea to help my wife in fulfilling her dream. It gives me a lot of satisfaction,” said Gajendra.

He added: “Whenever students preparing for competitive exams come to us, we try to help them. Their success and gratitude make us very happy.”

Sonali Kumari, who is about to appear for a banking exam and is a regular at the library, said: “This library is very cosy and has the perfect environment for studying in peace. Bigger libraries don’t have that.”

“Gajendra uncle and Madhuri aunty also provide the best guidelines, whenever we need any held,” added Sonali.

Not surprisingly, many students who have benefited from the library keep returning to its cosy rooms whenever they are in town.