DELHI, AN AVID HUMAN BOOK READER
The niche Human Library concept was met with an overwhelming response here
Delhiites continue to surprise with their varied interests. While a good turnout was sure expected at the Human Library’s debut Delhi chapter on Sunday, no one could’ve imagined that Dilliwallahs from all walks of life would turn up in hordes. That too, despite an India-Pakistan cricket final, and it being Father’s Day!
A concept that first began in Copenhagen, the Human Library allows readers to borrow human books and learn from their real life experiences over a 30-minute conversation.
Eager attendees began crowding the venue in Connaught Place since 12.30pm — one and a half hours before schedule. “We had booked this space keeping 500 people in mind. But, there’s about six times the turnout we had expected. And that’s just awesome,” said Nishkarsh Kaushik, member of the Human Library team. “The queue outside is so long that people might actually believe it is because of demonetisation,” he laughed.
Waiting in line, some were spotted checking the match score on their phone. “I’m a huge cricket fan, but I couldn’t have missed this for anything. Score to phone mein bhi dikh hi jaata hai. I’m eager to attend the cancer survivor session,” said Simran, a student of Daulat Ram College.
Shubham Garg, a visually impaired class XII student, was pumped for the event. His father, Puran Garg, shared, “Shubham seemed extremely interested in the concept. We encourage him do everything that can make him grow as a person. So, we’re celebrating Father’s Day here, like this.”
Three of the most preferred human books according to Rupal Prajapati, member of the organising team, were The Artefact Hunter (a historian who collects old artefacts), Himalayan Conservationist (a travel photojournalist who feels that there’s dire need of awareness for conserving the Himalayas) and Lekhak Ji (a tea seller with interesting accounts to share). “We might have curated 11 books, but I see so many people sharing their own stories with others while they wait, which is great!” said Prajapati.