Dibrugarh: Along a busy roadside at Nagakhelia village on the outskirts of Dibrugarh town in Assam, a quiet cultural movement is beginning to take shape. Amid the sounds of passing vehicles and everyday village life, a newly established roadside library is drawing readers, curious visitors, and commuters alike.
Launched on April 16 by socio-cultural organisation Doy-Kao-Rong, the unique initiative has already received an encouraging response from local residents as well as travellers who stop by to browse books placed in the open-access library. What was once an ordinary roadside space is now becoming a small but meaningful centre of learning and reflection.
Strategically located for easy public access, the library allows villagers and passersby to pick up books, spend time reading, or simply explore literature in an informal setting. The concept is rooted in the belief that books should not remain confined to classrooms or private shelves, but should be visible and accessible in everyday public life.
The initiative also reflects Doy-Kao-Rong’s longstanding commitment to the promotion of Assamese language, literature, and culture. Since its inception, the organisation has worked to preserve literary traditions while encouraging new generations to engage with reading and cultural life.
The Nagakhelia library is the first project under a wider plan to establish similar roadside libraries in different parts of Assam. It has been dedicated to the memory of late Suresh Bhuyan, remembered for his valuable contributions to society.
The collection of books for the library was donated by Seema Bhuyan, Assistant Professor at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Adarsha Mahavidyalaya, Dalgaon. Her contribution has helped create a public resource that is already finding eager readers.
Noted writer and president of Doy-Kao-Rong, Tunujyoti Gogoi, said the main objective of the initiative is to cultivate reading habits among the younger generation and reconnect communities with books in an age increasingly dominated by screens.
He also informed that the organisation is constructing a permanent library at Rongchangi-Kapahuwa village in Tengakhat, a remote part of the district, as part of its broader educational outreach.
Looking ahead, Gogoi said plans are underway to establish a permanent office near the Nagakhelia roadside library, along with a dedicated study and research centre to further strengthen literary and educational engagement in the region.