Library Blooms Beside Pyres

In North Nagpur, a unique two-story library operates near the Pili river and a crematorium, offering a quiet sanctuary for students preparing for India's toughest competitive exams. Established in 2017, this 5,000-square-foot center provides a peaceful study environment, shielded from urban noise by natural surroundings and over 1,500 trees, with the gentle sounds of the river providing a calming backdrop.

The facility, built at a cost of Rs 92 lakh, supplies tables, chairs, lighting, power points, and daily newspapers, though students bring their own study materials. It caters to aspirants of exams like NEET, UPSC, and railway services, with approximately 25 to 30 students utilizing the space daily. The unconventional location, initially unusual to some, has proven surprisingly motivating and conducive to focus.

This distinctive study center has already celebrated quiet successes, with former students securing positions in railways and the Indian Navy. Operating from 7 am to 7 pm, it aims to provide a platform for young people in North Nagpur to pursue government jobs, proving that even spaces associated with endings can foster new beginnings.