Palakkad, Kerala: What if a library lent people instead of books? At IIT Palakkad, this is no longer a thought experiment. The prestigious institute is gearing up to host a “Human Library”, a one-day event where real people become “human books”, telling their personal stories to challenge stereotypes and build empathy.

Inspired by the Human Library movement from Denmark, the initiative will be hosted by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences in collaboration with the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA), a flagship programme under the Union Ministry of Education.

What is a Human Library?

The concept centres around people who have experienced discrimination, stigma, or trauma due to caste, class, gender, disability, sexual identity, or other socio-cultural biases. These individuals volunteer to act as “books”, interacting with “readers” in one-on-one sessions to narrate their lived experiences.

Sudarshan R Kottayi, Assistant Professor at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, explained, “We are now on a search for Human Books — the individuals willing to open up about their stories, challenge stereotypes, and help build a more inclusive world through dialogue.”

No fiction, only lived experiences

The event will not include financial incentives for participants, as per the Denmark-based organisation’s guidelines. “People from anywhere in India can apply to become human books,” Kottayi added. The team aims to host the event in January or February 2025.

Kottayi, a queer mental health researcher and clinical psychologist, shared that he has personally experienced discrimination on campus. “If any change happens in the minds of any reader after reading the stories of our books, it may gradually pave the way for a social change,” he noted.

How does one become a ‘book’?

Prabhulladas R, UBA project coordinator at IIT Palakkad, stated that individuals will be selected based on the uniqueness and depth of their life stories. “We have identified 7 persons to become human books. A person suffering from complete albinism, a disabled individual, and a transgender doctor are among them,” he said, though final selections are still ongoing.

To conduct the event, at least 12 “books” are needed. Once selected, the books will undergo orientation sessions by the IIT team to prepare them for interactions with readers. Readers can ask any questions — but the books are free to skip those that feel uncomfortable, responding instead with, “that chapter is yet to be written.”

A space for empathy, not trauma

“The event should not be a further traumatising experience for them. So, they have all the freedom to give such ethical excuses,” Kottayi emphasised. The initiative, according to both organisers, recognises the emotional landscapes of marginalised individuals and creates a safe, voluntary space for storytelling.

Participants will include students, researchers, and members of the public. With rising interest and numerous applications already received, the IIT team hopes to establish a recurring event — possibly expanding to public spaces like libraries or town halls.