"It all began with an objective to inculcate reading habits among the villagers. And now it's none less than an eye-opener. We never expected such amazing response from young girls who not just liked the books but decided to take up the task themselves to distribute those in other villages to perpetuate the venture," says Saroj Deshchowgule from Aksharsparsh Library.

Pustak Peti is basically a "moving bag" of books that is carried from one village to the other. Pustak Peti of Nari Samata Manch goes to Khanapur, where their representative distributes these books to the villagers. This bag contains 25 books including various weeklies and fortnightlies. Villagers have now developed a profound interest in reading books like Shyamchi aai, Ek hota Karver, Mi ek kharoti and Gargi aajun jivant ahe. They handle these books with care by preventing them from the reach of kids. There are also plans to distribute attractive book-marks to them. The idea is to help them improve their reading habits, which is being accomplished through this activity.

Women in villages anxiously wait for the representative who carries the bag of books. Though Khanapur had the won the "Ideal Village Puraskar," most of the women here are deprived of basic education. And this activity is meant for these women who always look forward to gain knowledge. The women prefer to read books on legal matters. Books like Stree and Kayda and Stree Sathicha Kayda are popular among them.