“It is from books that wise people derive consolation in the troubles of life” — Victor Hugo

The proverb has been put to good use in Mizoram by the Young Mizo Association (YMA) amid the lockdown to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus.

The YMA branch of Ramhlun South locality here has decided to start a doorstep library service for residents in order to kill boredom, inculcate good morals and promote the reading habit.

The service, called Kawtkai Library, was started by the library and documentation sub-committee of the YMA branch on April 18.

“The idea was conceived soon after the imposition of lockdown but could not be implemented immediately as we had to respect the government’s guidelines on safety measures and social distancing,” sub-committee chairman B. Lalmalasawma said.

He added that the response has been tremendous and beyond expectation.

He said they are distributing fiction, autobiography, religious books and novels, among others, in English and Mizo languages. He said the idea follows the YMA’s theme this year, “Promotion of reading and learning”.

The branch secretary Hrathmingthanga said photocopies of books are posted on a Whatsapp group of the locality to enable the reader to choose. Once the reader selects, they inform the sub-committee members, who deliver them at their doorstep, he said.

Under this system, a reader can borrow a maximum offour books of different categories for 10 days.

“We do not only deliver but also collect the books from the reader’s home. Social distancing is strictly followed while distributing and collecting books,” Hrathmingthanga said.

Ramhlun South is one of the biggest localities here with at least 1,500 households. According to Hrathmingthanga, the facility has been enjoyed by nearly 100 people in the first phase and now by over 300 households.

He said the third phase of distribution was under way. The YMA was also planning to give prizes to the best or highest reader.

The YMA branch started its own public library in 1985 and was recognised by the state government in 1991.

The library has more than 1,500 books, according to Hrathmingthanga.

Established in 1935, YMA is the largest philanthropic organisation in Mizoram.

Central YMA, the central committee of the association, is headquartered in Aizawl.

According to Central YMA president Vanlalruata, it has more than 4.5 lakh members from five sub-headquarters, 49 groups, 805 branches and units in all villages across the state.

With 91.33 percent literacy rate, Mizoram is third after Kerala and Lakshadweep, according to the 2011 census.