about – Pustakaar

Know About Us

From Passion to Purpose:The Pustakaar Journey

We are Pustakaar, an NGO dedicated to transforming lives through our traveling library program.

Founded by Shobha and Anil Bhansali, Pustakaar began with their personal journey from Seattle to India and their dedication to passing on their love of reading. What started with donating books to an underserved school evolved into a visionary program, creating a traveling library and a network of volunteers to bring the joy of reading to where it’s needed most.

Our Mission

Igniting a love of reading

We are a mobile library that aims to share a love of books with school children, visiting economically underserved schools. We open the magical world of storybooks, bringing curiosity and imagination to children for whom reading is an expensive dream.

Our Vision

Fostering future leaders

To nurture a love of reading in every child, helping them grow into confident, self-aware, and responsible individuals who actively contribute to their communities.

Testimonials

With all my heart, I want to take a moment to thank Team Pustakaar for providing us with such beautiful baskets of books. This will surely help my little buds to grow in terms of literacy and grow a level up. I respect and appreciate the service that you are providing for such underprivileged kids who have a great potential to prove themselves as future heroes. This is indeed a great help……Thank you so much.

Dilawar Abbas A Teach For India Fellow

My journey with Pustakaar started in 2021 with a book donation inquiry. Shruthi’s response impressed me, and I admired the organization’s work in improving reading skills. During COVID, I held online story and English sessions with orphanage children in Anantapur. The energy and dedication of the volunteers are inspiring. Wishing Pustakaar continued success!

Dr (Mrs)Andal Manga Thayar (Volunteer and supporter), Reader (Rtd) and Head, Dept of English, Government City College, Hyderabad

Heartfelt thanks for being a beacon of warmth and knowledge at Nachiketa Tapovan since 2010. Your Saturday book sessions, story readings, and puzzles have brought joy and sparked curiosity in our students. Your dedication goes beyond education; you’ve become a cherished part of our extended family. We look forward to many more shared chapters.

Shivani Deekshit Vice President, Nachiketa Tapovan (Our partner school)

I get to know about so many new words from story books which I did not know before. I get to know about many things too from stories that I do not get to read from my schoolbooks. I love to look at the pictures in the story books

Aishwarya Grade 6, Vikas Model school

I came to this school when I was in grade 1. I came from Pune, so I didn’t know how to speak Telugu. Now I understand a little bit. I am enjoying reading stories from the tab. The words are difficult to understand but if the teacher is in class I ask for help. The girl in the app helps if I cannot read any word. My favourite story is ‘One Big Cake’”.

Mahinder Grade 3 from Vikas Model School

I enjoy reading storybooks and taking them home. Reading before bed helps me relax and has improved my reading skills. Now, I find it easier to read textbooks and even newspapers, learning new words along the way. Thank you for the books!

Deepika Grade 5, Shankarpalli Girls school

Pustakaar provided our students with wonderful storybooks that teach moral values and motivate them. Group discussions improved their communication skills, and volunteers Sunita and Anita made sessions interactive with art and craft. It was a fantastic experience, and we look forward to more stories next year.