For most us, privilege can be blinding to the extent that we cannot see how fortunate we are. For a lot of us, it is almost impossible to fathom that books could be considered luxury, but there are people who simply cannot afford to spend money on them, because they're busy making ends meet.
For children like these, this Kerala MLA is a ¡®messiah¡¯. CPM MLA VK Prasanth has urged people to give him books instead of flowers, which he promised to donate to the libraries of various government schools in the constituency.?
According to the reports, he was approached by local government schools, seeking help to set up libraries for their students. He took to Facebook and requested the residents of his constituency to donate books to him.?
Here¡¯s the post:?
Prasanth also shared pictures of a rally in his constituency last week, where people donated books to him. The MLA later announced that he received over 3,500 books, which will be handed over to the government schools in his constituency. He also thanked the people for their generosity.
Prasanth became an MLA in the Vattiyoorkavu constituency recently, after winning polls in the state. He is locally known as ¡®Mayor bro¡¯ after he actively participated in all the flood relief activities in 2018.
Apparently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also urged people to gift him books instead of flowers. The Prime Minister¡¯s Office issued an advisory on July 17, 2017, to every Indian state to sensitise the masses into presenting the Prime Minister books or a khaadi handkerchief, instead of bouquets during his visits.?
AFP
According to the Times Of India, the advisory said, "It has been desired by the competent authority that no bouquet may be presented to the Prime Minister during his tours within India. At best, one flower along with a khadi handkerchief or a book may be presented to welcome the dignitary. All states and UTs (Union territories) are requested to suitably sensitise all concerned to ensure strict compliance of the above instructions."
Prasanth has definitely set an example for the rest of the political leaders. We surely need more people like him!?