A couple of years ago, R. Ranjitkumar, a resident of Coimbatore, would never miss an opportunity to make his contribution in cash or kind to the needy through various NGOs. During an informal discussion with one of his friends, the idea of starting an NGO on his own with the intention of reaching out to the most deserving was born in his mind.

“Having been involved with various NGOs and social service organisations, I felt that families and children in tribal pockets are the ones that need help the most. Thus, Thoorigai Charitable Trust came into being last February,” Ranjitkumar says.

Since this Trust was formed with the intention of serving people and communities in tribal areas, all their projects and activities are aimed towards these areas. Of all their projects, the two libraries that have been set up by this Trust deserve a mention.

About one-and-a-half-months ago, this Trust established a library in one of the tribal villages in the Nilgiris Mountains. Members and volunteers collected books that were donated by their family and friends and in this manner the team managed to collect about 500 books. This library that is located in Denadu village in Udhagamandalam taluk is now fully functional.

Motivated with the success of their debut library, the team identified another tribal area that requires a library. Again, members and volunteers of this Trust swung into action and this time too they managed to collect nearly 500 books of different subjects from kind donors. About two weeks ago, the Trust opened the doors of their second library at the Society for Development of Integrity of Tribes (ADIT) in Pollachi district.

Founder of Thoorigai Charitable Trust tells us that this Trust had plans of opening more libraries in tribal areas. He also shares with us that this Trust has identified three tribal areas in the Nilgiris Mountains where digital libraries will be operational soon.