Professional Ruminations

Yes, I should start this blog with a 'wow' to our BSNL (The biggest Indian Telecom provided). Just like every other Indian national, I do carry the same notion about our Telecom provider in this country. Perhaps, that would have came from my own real personal experience. Having said that, with a very recent sealed envelop that came all the way from our local BSNL office - that too with a check for Rs. 112/-. How cool is it? Read on.

It was roughly 2 years ago when I wanted to take up a new telephone and internet connection for my family in India (during this period I was in the US of A), I was asked to provide a deposit of Rs.100/-. I simply showed Rs.100 bill across the counted and waited for nearly 2hrs to get the receipt of the same. Finally, I got it (just the reciept). Then the real story unfolds..

After a couple of days, with no sign of new connection, I inquired at the same office and got a reply that "your home is in a remote place (village), and there are no nearby telephone posts / poles we probably will not be able to provide a new connection". This is weird right? when every government, even the central government initiates / aims at every development projects to promote villages / remote places, why not a new connection can be provided? - I asked this question to myself and just the place.

It was just 2 days ago, when I got this envelope with a check for Rs.112 in it, I realized what a wonderful organization.. which made me wowed for this act.

Introduction

I am basically an Indian Chartered Accountant (27) and traveling major part of the world upon my professional requirements. At present in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the USA. I’m currently an NRI (Non- Resident Indian). I was a member of Town Hall & R.S. Puram library during my school & college days (from 1993). Right now I’m a member in Brown County Library (in Wisconsin State, USA). I’m so surprised to see lot of things offered in this library (though it’s a village of 100,000 populations only). Therefore, I wish the same can be made in Coimbatore - if everyone works together.

Purpose of this mail

To make everyone a mankind!

I wish I could help or at least try in providing thru library some basic necessities of current students / youngsters – who are all in needy and un-affordable people -to enlighten their knowledge starving. I know how much I starved (even now) for knowledge resources. I wish I could give back something to my society – especially Coimbatore – my own town.

I have lots of ideas – of course it’s a big project can involve more youngsters / college students who love to help the community. I strongly trust that education / books are only the back bone of every advanced society. I see this from here.

My ideas / Project

I’m unsure how much it’s practicable AND you are interested in this or even I don’t even know if you take up this from me – simply because of the fact – that you are the controlling authority and I’m just a simple person – thinking globally but acting locally – without sufficient resources. I foresee 5 to 10 years down the line and coming decades with all enlightened people out of this project. This is 100% non-profit motive and 100% serving the community.

In short, I would like to concentrate on these areas:

1. Integrating all the 300 libraries – under Coimbatore
2. Consolidating all books’ catalogues – accessible thru internet.
3. Setting up an net library – with user ID and Password to access eBooks
4. ILL – Concept of Inter- Library Loans. (If particular book is not available in local library and getting from some other library – from same dist. Or other)
5. Introducing weekly once a free trip to and from the local libraries – age group 12 to 17 (up to class 12) – say, every Saturday between 1100am – 0300pm. (off peak hrs.) On showing your library membership cards – should make tie-up with TNSTC.
6. Online book request and renewal.
7. Organizing old used book sale – every 3 months – at cheaper rates.
8. Organizing college student volunteers – for No. 1 above – for computer related technical activities (this will save cost).
9. Introducing free internet access in selected libraries – 15 mins - 30mins per member (max.) – can tie up with CTS in Coimbatore or Some other software companies resources.

What you can do:

Analyze the feasibility of all these above and you will want to get more clarity / further step by step things – for which I’m mostly available from here / or any part of the world AND – you may budget the hours / money resources + getting appropriate approvals from various line authorities.

You will want to visit my local county library website: http://www.co.brown.wi.us/library/

What I can do:

Support at least 1 hr. per day – by any means – having discussion / email replies / even can have teleconferences.

1. Planning simulate the whole American library system to Coimbatore.
2. I’m not affordable to provide financial assistance as – I’m still a student and not self sufficient.

What WE can do:

Hold our hands till this on-going project. If possible – hold a meeting in my next week Indian vacation. Between 08/12/2008 to 08/20/2008.

Conclusion:

GOD BLESS COIMBATORE!!

take care,

Best Regards,

ALN

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