Catalyzing Literacy – A Unique Approach to the Community Literacy Project Akshara Deepam (The Light of Letters) in Kerala's Choornikkara Panchayat Library-An Information in Practice Model

ABSTRACT

The Akshara Deepam (The Light of Letters) project, a collaborative endeavour between Choornikkara Panchayat Library, Kerala State Literacy Mission and Kudumbashree Mission, represents a pioneering model for community literacy and empowerment, with a strong focus on women's participation and empowerment. Initiated in May 2023, this innovative initiative aims to integrate literacy applications into daily life by delivering curated book kits to 720 households through 60 Kudumbashree Neighbourhood Groups, empowering women volunteers to combat poverty through literacy.

Recognising its transformative potential, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (RCSS) plans to integrate academic expertise into the project through a forthcoming MOU with Choornikkara Panchayat. Post-MOU, RCSS envisions a comprehensive approach, drawing from successful experiences, to integrate academic expertise into community engagement initiatives, particularly emphasising enhancing women's empowerment through literacy. To maximise impact, the Akshara Deepam project incorporates perception-level surveys, literacy practices and contributions from various RCSS departments. It provides diverse book collections tailored to the evolving needs of digital library usage. As an opportune intervention in changing literacy paradigms, RCSS intends to assess its efficacy and feasibility for rural replication in light of its initial results. This approach blends theory, community actions and academic involvement, empowering women and enriching communities globally.

KEYWORDS:

• Literacy
• Akshara Deepam project
• The light of letters
• Kudumbashree
• Choornikkara Panchayat library
• Kerala

Acknowledgment

We sincerely thank the authorities of Choornikkara LSG, the dedicated staff of Choornikkara Panchayath Library, and the Kudumbashree workers for their invaluable support. Special gratitude to the management of Rajagiri College of Social Sciences for their belief in our noteworthy community literacy approach.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

K. R. Sunil Kumar

Sunil Kumar K.R., a visionary social activist, is an esteemed librarian with 24 years of rich experience in Panchayat Library administration at Choornikkara Grama Panchayat, Kerala, India. Beyond steering the library through challenging times, he orchestrated innovative programs like doorstep book delivery during COVID-19 and the pioneering ‘Akshara Deepam’ project. Sunil has curated stamp and coin exhibitions, monthly book discussions, and film festivals. His influential role extends to being the State General Secretary of the Panchayat Librarians Association, Kerala. A published author, he shares his passion for literacy, earning accolades from prestigious media outlets like The Hindu and Indian Express and featuring in interviews on platforms such as Club FM 94.7.

P. V. Vijesh

Vijesh P.V. is a librarian with over 15 years of experience in college library administration at Rajagiri Group of Institutions, Kerala, India. Renowned for pioneering user studies, digital information literacy, Scientometrics, and content analysis research, his prolific career showcases a profound commitment to advancing knowledge. A distinguished scholar, Vijesh excels in research and publication, demonstrating leadership in journal launch, indexing and administration support.

K. R. Vivek

Vivek K. R., a library science UGC NET holder and a highly skilled professional with a Master's in Library and Information Science, works as a field investigator in an ICSSR project at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences. Vivek has a strong background in technology and management consulting. He has a proven track record of conducting field investigations, completing internships, and participating in workshops. He is highly skilled in library automation, providing technical consultancy, and creating social media content in the Malayalam language.

M. K. Joseph

Joseph MK is a professor in social work and a former Head of the Department at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous) in Kochi, India. As a research guide at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, he contributes to the academic advancement in Social Work. With an additional role as the Editor-in-Chief of the Rajagiri Journal of Social Development, Prof. Joseph demonstrates his commitment to scholarly discourse. Presently, he serves as the Dean of the Department of Commerce, Management & Professional Studies at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, showcasing his diverse leadership in academia.