Doha: Kerala Women’s Initiative Qatar (KWIQ), a women’s group, conducted its fourth season of “Pusthak Mela” in collaboration with ICC Students Forum on April 1 & 2, 2021 at the ICC premises.
This initiative of KWIQ benefitted many parents as it provided them with an opportunity to donate used academic textbooks from Grade 4 onwards (CBSE Syllabus) along with guides, reference books, story books and novels and in exchange they were able to collect used textbooks for the next academic year for free.
“Last year in March, KWIQ was fully prepared to conduct Pusthak Mela-Season 3 at a venue, however, due to the pandemic crisis we had to cancel the event. Having said that we still managed to run a small help desk to serve many parents who were in need to get used textbooks for their children. This year, we are extremely grateful to P N Baburajan, ICC President, for collaborating with us to conduct Pusthak Mela – Season 4 at ICC premises,” said Zareena Ahad, KWIQ President.
During this pandemic time, when many families are victims of pay cuts and layoffs, this initiative for providing used textbooks proved to be a blessing for them. At the event venue, all donated books were arranged grade/subject wise and even had volunteers assisting the parents.
“The event was well organized by KWIQ officials who ensured that Covid Protocols were followed. To avoid overcrowding at the venue visitors were requested to wait outside the hall, social distancing was maintained at all times, use of sanitizers and gloves were made compulsory for all parents at the entrance and exit points. This made us feel safe to a very great extent. We are sure to return next year.” a satisfied parent said.
Zareena Ahad and P N Baburajan along with other officials inaugurated the event by handing over a set of books to a Grade 10 parent.
“Executive members Anju, Bini, Shoma, Nejla, Asha, Arsha, Shamna, Thanzy, Reshmi, council members Smitha, Smriti and Pooja and last but not the least Manzoor from Toastmasters and Anand and Mubarak Abdul Ahad volunteered to make the event a huge success,” KWIQ spokeswoman said.
