Ainul Haq’s Shankar Azaan library in Nalbari’s Benhjani mandal promotes education and communal harmony.
Team Clarion
BANHJANI – In a commendable effort to uplift his community, Ainul Haq, a Muslim youth from Nalbari district in Assam, has established a library named Shankar Azaan in front of his home in Magkochi village. The library, funded by earnings from his tuition work, has become a centre for learning and cultural activities, earning praise from academic circles.
Ainul, who holds a post-graduate degree in political science, set up the library in January to address the lack of reading facilities in his village. “There are no libraries around us,” Ainul said. “I set up this library to develop the reading habits among students in my area. Students should find a learning environment and thrive in it.”
Open to students of all religions, the library hosts cultural programs and academic competitions every Sunday, drawing participation from over 50 students each week. Ainul, along with his elder brother Moinul Haq, also offers free tuition to 50-60 local students from classes 6 to 12.
Reflecting on the library’s name, Ainul explained, “My library is attractive to students of all religions. There couldn’t be a better name for a library. I want to live with the ideals of Shankar Azaan in harmony, brotherhood, and unity.”
Despite his success in writing over 60 books and creating artwork displayed in the library, Ainul faces challenges in maintaining the facility. The library operates entirely on private funds, with a significant shortage of cabinets and furniture. “I want to upgrade the library, but financial limitations stand in my way,” he noted. Nevertheless, Ainul’s initiative continues to inspire a love for learning and promote communal harmony among the youth of Banhjani.
