2000 govt servants in two decades: Kerala rural library makes a difference

Thrissur: We all know that a library is a gateway to knowledge. The  Aranattukara Rural Library has literally opened up a new world to its young readers by providing them a secured future by offering them training in competitive exams for various government departments. Till date it has produced over two thousand government officials in two decades.

The library, which started functioning in 2003 at Lalur SNDP Hall with just 11 people, is providing free PSC coaching. 

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Sathyan Lalur, who had been the secretary of the library, started the training class. Although Sathyan Lalur passed away in 2019, the example set by him has been carried forward by his successors. The works are done by forming a charitable trust named ‘Thanal’.

As the number of candidates increased, the class was shifted to the reading room. The candidates are being trained from here for all categories like Deputy Collector, LD Clerk, Secretariat Assistant, Police Officers, Excise Preventive Officers.  

Approximately 150 employees of Thrissur Civil Station, 15 in the Revenue Department in the Collectorate and around 250 people in the Police Force have undergone training successfully from the library. 

Around 150 people are getting training in five batches at Aranatukara Rural Library at present. The class, which was earlier confined to its reading room, has now expanded to 14 places in different parts of the district.

The practice here is to become a member of the ‘Thanal’ Trust after getting a job. Each member will also contribute Rs 100 per month to the Trust. The members of the Trust meet on the second Saturday of every month in the library and review the work. 

Not just the free classes, but the necessary study materials will also be provided to the candidates. The training is provided by the Trust members themselves.