Today, any idea can see the light of the day. thanks to successful crowdfunding options. Bangalore-based company, Gecko was recently in news which raised funds through Indiegogo to develop a small, low powered bluetooth device. But for Mumbai-based Pushpendra Pandya, a copy writer by profession, it was not money but knowledge that he wanted from the crowd. And so strong was his intent that today he drives India's first crowd sourced library.
Having successfully started in Mumbai, Pandya is now excited about starting the concept in Bangalore. "The idea struck in March this year. Though there are challenges, the response in Mumbai has been good. It is basically just as how college students share notes among friends who have bunked certain lectures," says Pandya.
But there are hurdles. His main challenge is transporting books from one corner of city to another. "To carry heavy loads of 45-plus books in a local transport is a war in itself. Once a lady journalist who herself has donated 200-plus books suggested, 'I think all of us, who love reading books should just sponsor you a caravan. How long will you keep spending thousands on transport'," he says.
Another challenge is to gather funds to hire places to have more access points to collect and distribute books for the public. "It may take a while but it will reach common people for sure. It'll uplift ratio of education and we can look forward to intelligent group discussions in future, perhaps, more innovation from the youth of our nation," says Pandya.
To launch in the city, Pandya has contacted the founder of Blossom Book House and is hoping to find a person or company with whom he can collaborate. "I'd love to partner with Flipkart and other biggies but will see how it goes. The problem is that I work six days a week, so can't devote more time as I would have liked. Sadly I don't have many friends in Bangalore. We just visit the city during rock concerts at Palace Grounds. I just need someone who can collect books, keep track and give books to whoever wishes to read them," he says.
Pandya is planning to find a new home for the books and he plans to collaborate with coffee chains, experimental theatres such as NCPA, Prithvi and more, for better accessibility across the city. "So far I have 1000 books. And people who come forward are college students, senior citizens and the jobless lot. The library is open to all who enjoy reading," says Pandya.
According to Pandya, the youth is fascinated by information via digital mediums such a tablet, ipads, Mobile, kindle and gadgets, however, these forms are mostly dependent on internet connection and suitable for those who can afford it.
"Others will get back to the usual forms of reading hard back or paperback. India's population has roughly 85 per cent plus people who still aren't using smartphones. We are targeting easy medium to reach people of all kind, just to preserve the good old reading book experience," he says.
Pandya has got a really good response from social network,ing sites, media and many have shown interest in donating their books. Book delivery is done by him currently and he can be reached post 6 pm on week days. "I do the library related work from 6 pm - 9 pm. I will be applying for my pending leaves in December when I will be visiting Bangalore to discuss with my local friends while I contact various other book stores. Accordingly I will take it further," he says.
For details: www.crowdsourcedlibrary.com or email to fillyy@gmail.com