CHENNAI: It was a memorable Sunday for many college students in the city, who received books for free for pursuing their education, thanks to the timely help by Sri Sumathi Vishal Jain Book Bank. More than 1,300 students received 11,775 books at the event held by the Book Bank to mark its 21st book distribution ceremony.Sri Sumathi Vishal Jain Book Bank, started in 1991, is run by a group of young men who choose eligible students in need of assistance and distribute books required for their courses. Upon completion of their education, the students are asked to return the books to the bank so that it they can be given to others. “So far, the trust has donated 1.4 lakh books among more than 14,957 students. The total value of all books distributed exceeds Rs 3 crores,” explained Prakash Kothari, chairman of the bank.Noting that reuse and recycle were commonly heard themes in these times, CN Gangadharan, Consul General of Mongolia, said that the concept of reusing and recycling knowledge was a unique idea, and the Book Bank has been doing yeoman service in this field. TR Pachamuthu, Chancellor, SRM University, noted that the Jain community had earned itself the reputation of being sensible businessmen and now, as persons dedicated to their community. Noting that India had a long way to go in the area of higher education, he said help from philanthropists was important as private institutions and government alone cannot meet the demands of all students.As against the global average of 25 per cent enrolment in higher education, India has only 12 per cent. To reach even the global average, the country is said to need more than 35,000 colleges and 15,000 universities. But even these will not suffice, and there is need for more contribution from society, he explained.
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