306/2025-2026

Lunglei, 27 October 2025: Over 11,000 books collected under the Deputy Commissioner Lunglei’s “Book Nest Initiative” were today dispatched for distribution to schools within the Lungsen Aspirational Block. The consignment was flagged off from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office premises by DC Lunglei Pi Navneet Mann, IAS, and Lunglei Sub-Headquarters YMA President, Pu K. Lalfakzuala.

A function marking the flag-off and appreciation of contributors was held at the DC’s Conference Hall. Speaking on the occasion, DC Pi Navneet Mann expressed gratitude to the departments, organisations and individuals who contributed to the successful book collection drive.

She noted that the Book Nest Initiative, launched under the NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Block Programme and aligned with the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, is built on three key pillars — encouraging community involvement in educational upliftment; promoting the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) through the reallocation of old books to meet new demands; and motivating youth to avoid drug abuse and instead focus on education, self-development and career-building.

She further highlighted that through the initiative, the district aims to promote reading habits, meaningful engagement and intellectual growth among students, while also strengthening community participation and youth development.

The event was chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner Pi Zoramdini. A report on the initiative was presented by YMA Sub-Headquarters President Pu K. Lalfakzuala, while District Education Officer Pu Micky R. Lalenkawla also delivered a brief address.

During the event, prizes were distributed to five YMA branches and SHGs whose localities collected the highest number of books in proportion to their number of households, while all participating YMA branches and SHGs received certificates of appreciation and cash awards for their efforts.

Under the Book Nest Initiative, 19 YMA branches within Lunglei town collectively contributed 11,034 books, while three YMA branches from Lungsen donated 22 books. The UD&PA Department contributed 312 books, and Pu Aryan Mishra, founder of AstroScape, donated 106 books — bringing the total to 11,474 books collected.

Among Lunglei localities, Bazarveng, Sethlun, Rahsiveng, Lunglawn and College Veng were recognised as the top five contributors. The YMA branches and SHGs of these localities received a cash prize and certificate of appreciation, while 14 other YMA branches and four SHGs were also acknowledged with cash prizes and certificates for their participation.

The books will now be distributed across 61 schools in Lungsen Block — including 27 primary, 27 middle, three comprehensive, three high and one higher secondary school. Bookshelves have already been installed at each school to ensure the books are properly displayed and easily accessible to students.

Through this initiative, the District Administration aims to nurture a culture of reading and learning among young students, while fostering community collaboration in education, sustainability and social development.