image credits: Bakul Foundation
In a heartwarming celebration of literature, Bhubaneswar’s Bakul Foundation hosted its inaugural ‘Blind Date with Books’ on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the Satyanagar-based Bakul Library. This innovative event invited readers to embrace the unknown, much like a blind date, by engaging with books they did not choose themselves. With over 50 participants this event united readers of all ages in a shared journey of learning and creativity.
Founded in 2007 by Sujit Mahapatra, a passionate advocate for education and social change, the Bakul Foundation has tirelessly worked to make reading accessible and enjoyable across Odisha. Mahapatra, an alumnus of prestigious institutions and a former corporate professional, left his career to pursue a vision of fostering a reading culture. Under his leadership, Bakul Library has grown into a cherished space, renowned for its extensive collection and innovative initiatives.
The Charm of a Literary Blind Date
The event took place from 11 A.M. to 6 P.M on the second Sunday of this month. Participants registered in advance for the event, sharing their reading preferences, which Bakul’s dedicated volunteers used to handpick a book for each reader. Unlike a typical library visit, there was no browsing or selecting of books. Readers surrendered to the surprise, trusting the volunteers to match them with a certain genre of book.
However, the real delight lay in the journey to find the book. Participants embarked on a treasure hunt, solving four sets of clues that led them through the library’s nooks and crannies. This interactive twist not only made the experience memorable but also allowed readers to explore Bakul’s rich collection, from children’s classics to works for young adults and seasoned bibliophiles. The event beautifully blended adventure with education.
Voices of Joy from Readers
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with participants spanning generations. Young college students, who formed the majority, revelled in the playful challenge, while notable Odia writers like Anil Dhir and Panchami Manoo Ukil joined in with equal enthusiasm. Dhir, a respected historian and author, praised the event’s ingenuity: “The clues were intriguing yet manageable. I expected to simply pick a book, but the hunt made it engaging. My book matched my interests perfectly. It is a wonderful initiative to promote reading.”
Equally delighted was 12-year-old Sidiksha Dixit, an avid reader who attended with her father. “This concept is so exciting! Solving clues and discovering the library was exhilarating,” she shared, her enthusiasm a reminder of the timeless joy books brings to young minds. Such diverse voices highlight how Bakul Library bridges generations, fostering a collective appreciation for knowledge and culture.
Redefining Libraries for Odisha’s Youth
Sujit Mahapatra, the driving force behind Bakul, emphasized the event’s broader purpose. “While Bakul Library is known for its children’s books, we have an impressive collection for young adults and beyond. This event aimed to draw college students, encouraging them to see libraries as vibrant spaces,” he explained. Mahapatra’s vision is rooted in a belief that resonates deeply with Odisha’s ethos: “Someone who doesn’t read hasn’t found the right book yet.” Through experiments like Reading Marathons, Human Library sessions, and now Blind Dates with Books, Bakul continues to innovate, ensuring libraries remain relevant and inviting.
A Future of Literary Connections
The success of this event, captured in glimpses on YouTube, has inspired Bakul Foundation to make ‘Blind Date with Books’ a recurring affair, planned every few months. As participants left with books in hand and smiles on their faces, the event reinforced a powerful truth: reading unites us, ignites curiosity, and strengthens our bonds as a community.
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