I was allotted space for a book shop in 2005/06, in JNU. This shop, ‘Book Cart’, has always been run as a non-formal enterprise. My vision was and still is to create an inclusive and creative space for promoting interaction, dialogue, and exchange of ideas. Thus, serves as a beaming space for facilitating open dialogue. ‘Literary Evenings’ have been organized regularly, with a range of students from various disciples, varied age groups, and from different socio-economic-cultural backgrounds.

This shop had also funded a micro-library in Devlikhet village in Uttarakhand. However, after the 9th Feb political incidence in JNU, and the consequent policies imposed by JNU administration as well as the other colleges and universities since then, led to restrictions in organizing book exhibitions.

The effects of the COVID-19 lockdown have made running an unsustainable enterprise. The micro-library and the other activities have also become non-functional. The rent I have been billed is Rs. 66430, which also includes the rent of the months of COVID-19 full lockdown when the shops were not allowed to function.

I request all to help save Book Cart from becoming a thing of the past. Monetary assistance of Rs. 66430 is required to keep the shop running. I have no other source of income. Please, help me survive in these unusual pandemic times.