Turning Waste into Education: Chandigarh’s Book Samaritan

Sandeep Kumar of Chandigarh is proving that one person’s initiative can rewrite the futures of thousands of children. Over the last eight years, he has collected more than 1.5 lakh books from people’s homes and ensured they reach children in need.

The journey began while teaching in a village in Haryana, where Sandeep noticed bright students struggling to take notes or complete homework—not for lack of ability, but because their families couldn’t afford books. “Papa doesn’t buy us books, so how can we write?” the children told him. Visiting their homes, Sandeep saw families struggling to afford even two meals a day. He knew he had to act.

With limited funds and many initial setbacks, including rejection by his own family, Sandeep started turning old books, files, and registers into new notebooks for underprivileged kids: Raddi se Shiksha (Education from Scrap Paper). Riding borrowed cycles and scooters, he went door to door, collecting used books and stationery with a smile. To sustain the mission, he campaigned in colleges and took on part-time jobs.

Today, his efforts have expanded into six public libraries, two mobile libraries, and even earned a mention on Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s monthly radio programme. “The books that helped you achieve your dreams often end up being sold as scrap. Donate them instead, and you can help underprivileged children achieve theirs,” says Sandeep.

Aditya Birla Group is proud to collaborate with The Better India to amplify stories like Sandeep’s, celebrating individuals who act as #AForceForGood.