Vidya Balan has often emphasized on the importance of educating children and lent support to initiatives that work towards empowering the lesser privileged through education and learning. This time, the actress has participated in an initiative that will help give children, who don’t have the means, access to books that educate them and expand their horizons. Vidya has picked one of her favourite sarees for an online auction, the proceeds from which will go to the community library project that’s based in Delhi.

Among the many challenges posed by the pandemic, has been a shortage of funds for the free public library. When the actress got to know of this, she pitched in to do her bit. When she was approached to give any personal item that could be auctioned, she opened up her wardrobe to give away one of her special sarees.

Vidya says, “I think by now everyone knows about my love for sarees, especially handlooms. And yes, I do cherish my saree collection immensely, but from time to time I give them away, too, it just feels right to do that.”

Talking about the saree she has put up for the auction that is on till December 20, the actress says, “This is a pure tussar saree, which is a traditional ikkat. I love traditional weaves, but this one also has a contemporary edge to it.”

More B-Town celebs are expected to join in for the first edition of this initiative. Vidya, who has an affinity for reading and books, says, “I have always been around books and found a lot of comfort in them. I have a high regard for books and value education. What you learn from classrooms is great, but what you get to learn outside the classroom, through interactions with colleagues and peers and from immersing yourself in books… these life experiences are invaluable.”

The Tumhari Sulu actress further shares, “Personally, I love the comfort of a library, where you can get lost in the world of books. It sparks your imagination and makes you think, which is why I wish there were many free libraries in our country where everyone is welcome. But it requires funds to run a library, and participating in this auction is a small step to help achieve that.”