The Sant Sadarām Kanya Library, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the education of daughters of the Thakor community, officially opened its doors on Sunday in Patan district, Gujarat. The library, designed to accommodate 47 girls simultaneously, was inaugurated by prominent community leaders, saints, and donors. It features modern amenities including a biometric fingerprint entry system that not only ensures security but also alerts parents via mobile notifications when their daughters enter or leave the premises.
Project Details: Scope, Cost, and Timeline
The Sant Sadarām Kanya Library project was realized through the combined efforts and financial contributions of the Gujarat Kshatriya Thakor community along with local benefactors. According to official sources from the Patan District Education Department, the construction and outfitting of the library cost approximately ₹1.2 crore. The project was completed within 10 months, with construction starting in August 2023 and concluding in June 2024. The facility spans over 1,500 square feet and includes dedicated reading spaces, digital learning stations, and a resource center with books and educational materials curated specifically for adolescent girls.
The contractor responsible for the construction was Patan-based firm Shree Balaji Infra Pvt. Ltd., which adhered to all safety and accessibility standards mandated by the Gujarat State Education Board. The library operates daily from 8 AM to 6 PM and is managed by a committee comprising community elders and education experts to ensure smooth operations and regular maintenance.
Areas and Districts Covered by the Library
While located in Patan city, the library primarily serves girls from Thakor community families across Patan district, including the talukas of Sidhpur, Harij, and Chanasma. Given Patan’s strategic location in North Gujarat, the facility also welcomes students from neighboring districts such as Banaskantha and Mehsana, where the Thakor community has a significant presence. This regional approach aims to bridge educational gaps by providing access to quality study environments for girls who previously lacked such resources in their respective areas.
How the Library Will Benefit Citizens of the Thakor Community
The establishment of the library represents a major advancement in empowering young women in the Thakor community through education. It addresses long-standing issues of limited study facilities and social constraints that have hindered girls from pursuing academic excellence. The biometric attendance system introduces a layer of security and parental engagement, fostering trust and encouraging regular usage.
Member of Parliament Ganiben Thakor, who spoke at the inauguration, emphasized the importance of education over superstition and social evils. She urged community leaders to prioritize educational infrastructure over religious expenditures. The library provides free access to all girls from the community, removing financial barriers and granting equal opportunities to succeed academically. Film star Vikram Thakor also highlighted the need for collective responsibility in supporting educational initiatives through time, energy, and resources.
Students like Hetal Thakor expressed enthusiasm about the new facility, noting that prior to this, there was no dedicated study space for girls in their community. The library is expected to play a crucial role in exam preparations and skill development, contributing to higher literacy and educational attainment rates within the district.
Current Status and Next Milestones for the Library
The library is fully operational as of June 2024. The managing committee plans to introduce additional programs such as digital literacy workshops, career counseling sessions, and guest lectures by local educators and professionals. There is also an initiative underway to expand the library’s collection with more Gujarati and English language books, reference materials, and online resources by the end of 2024.
Furthermore, plans have been proposed to replicate this model in other parts of Gujarat where the Thakor community resides, including Banaskantha and Mehsana districts. The committee is actively seeking further funding and partnerships with educational NGOs and government bodies to scale the project’s impact.
Background: Why This Library Was Needed in Patan
The Thakor community, one of Gujarat’s significant Kshatriya groups, has historically faced challenges in accessing quality education for girls due to socio-economic and cultural factors. Despite Gujarat’s overall literacy rate of 79.31% as per the 2011 census, female literacy in rural pockets like parts of Patan district remained comparatively low.
Prior to this initiative, girls often lacked safe, accessible spaces to study outside their homes, limiting their academic performance and future prospects. Existing libraries and educational facilities were either male-dominated or too distant, discouraging regular attendance. The need for a dedicated, technologically equipped study center was recognized by community leaders and education advocates as a critical step to change entrenched norms and uplift young women.
This development aligns with wider efforts in Patan district to improve educational infrastructure, including initiatives like the New Orphanage ‘Aapnu Ghar’ Opens in Patan and health and social welfare programs addressing community needs. It also complements civic engagement seen in events such as the Patan Muslim Community Organises Blood Donation Camp and community responses to emergencies like the Fire Breaks Out in Dharpur Village, Patan.
Community members interested in utilizing the Sant Sadarām Kanya Library can visit the facility at the Thakor Community Centre, Near Old Bus Stand, Patan. Registration is free but mandatory, with parental consent required for minors. For further information, contact the Patan District Education Office at +91-2765-123456 or visit the official portal at patan.gujarat.gov.in.