Free textbooks distributed to college students by the Rajasthan Youth Association in Chennai

Officers at the annual book distribution function organized by the Rajasthan Youth Association in the city on Sunday. | Photo credit: RAGU R

Rajasthan Youth Association (RYA) organized its 63rd annual book distribution event at Valluvar Kottam Auditorium on Sunday.

The RYA Book Bank project provides free textbooks to college students pursuing Arts, Science and Engineering courses in Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu.

GL Gnanatheva, Minister (Commerce), Representative of Sri Lanka High Commission for South India, Chennai inaugurated the event as the Chief Guest. He said, “Education is one of the most valuable investments in the future and initiatives like the Rajasthan Youth Association’s Book Bank project ensure that financial constraints do not stand in the way of learning.”

RYA President Vivek Bomb said, “The continuous support of our members, donors and volunteers has enabled us to positively impact over 1.60 lakh students over the past 63 years and we remain committed to expanding this effort in the years to come.

Book Bank Chairman Bipin M. Jain presented the 2026-27 report stating that the project supports 8,000 students annually. Since 1964, it has provided academic materials to more than 1.60 million students in 100 colleges. Female students currently make up 64 percent of beneficiaries.

The organization maintains an active inventory of ₹30,000 worth of books in circulation and adds ₹25,000,000 in new material annually, according to a press release.

Guests of honor Ashok Kumar Mundhra and Rajesh Surana addressed the participants. Book Bank former chairman Gouthamchand Jain was felicitated and RYA secretary Vikas Mardia delivered the vote of thanks.

Published – 28 Jul 2026 05:30 IST