Producer Deepshikha Deshmukh has kicked off the initiative, Read Latur, to inculcate the habit of reading among the children of Latur. As part of the endeavour, she will set up libraries across the schools in the region, thus encouraging children to immerse themselves in the world of fables, adventures and fairy tales. Bollywood actors Lara Dutta Bhupathi, Soha Ali Khan, Neelam Kothari and celebrated author Ruskin Bond have lent their support to the project by donating their favourite books.

Deshmukh says the idea took shape when she noticed that children in Latur had limited access to reading material, most of it restricted to textbooks. “Stories, fables, and tales written for children are essential to give wings to their imagination. As a mother, I have seen that regular reading can improve language skills, make children more curious and confident, and shape their perceptions. I am a firm believer of the circular economy and how environmentally friendly it is to share. This is how Read Latur started,” she says.

Over the next few months, she aims to build libraries in 12 to 15 schools in the city.