Bringing the world to the doorsteps of young minds! Books for Bannu

Here I am, sitting in doubt for the past 2 years, and there he was, not having just taken the plunge but full of hope and optimism for future no apparent reason at all:)

Asif Ali Khan did his mechatronic engineering from Malaysia but decided not to settle there; a decision many people disagree with, or fail to understand. But he was clear, he wanted to come back and do something for his community, for staying in Malaysia made him realize even more what his countrymen back home are missing; opportunities and facilities!

And so began 'Books for Bannu' a project that aims to provide the people of Bannu with books and resources to develop their skills and get access to the sea of opportunities and possibilities out there. Coming from a community where even basic necessities are compromised upon, buying books or paying membership for libraries is simply out of the question. In such circumstances, Books for Bannu is like an oasis in the desest. 'When i finished my studies, I thought to myself that if I stay here, I'll just be an engineer,but if I go back to my country and do something productive there, then my efforts might pave way for countless more engineers!'

Asif's dream is to establish a library in every union council of Bannu, making books available to people of underprivileged areas, to encourage the culture of reading and form a networking platform to mentor the youth regarding opportunities. He is used to people criticizing his idea, discouraging him, asking him what difference will this small effort make but he is clear in his resolve.' Our libraries will be open for all, be it farmers, hawkers or labourers. Education is the key solution to many social and economic issues in Pakistan and we all need to take it up as a cause, a movement!'

His eyes light up when he talks about Books for Bannu, you can see its his brainchild because of the fondness with which he talks about it. All he did was take a step, dared to dream and today he has support for his cause growing every day. He approached Darrusalam and they gave him a huge donation of books without much hassle. And people like me had questions, 'Didnt they suspect you for misleading them or tricking them? Didn't they mistrust you? How did they agree so easily!?' And that is how his journey has been. He didnt have funds to cargo his carton of books from Peshawar to Bannu but when he shared his cause with a coach driver, he agreed to deliver his goods free of charge!




And all that I learned was, when you take a step filled with sincerity and faith, divine powers join you, maybe they had been waiting for someone daring like you all along......only some choose to believe in them!!

He may be a mere drop in the ocean, but this drop may quench the thirst of knowledge for one child, open doors of possibilities for one person, change life of one individual and that is not a small achievement!