Rohtak: Jindaran in Rohtak district of Haryana is home to many successful people. Kargil war martyr Naik Balwan Singh saw IPS officer Sagar Preet Hooda (now Chandigarh DGP) studying in his government school in the village of Kargil war martyr. Additional district and sessions judge Surinder Kumar posted in UP Moradabad and PGIMS Rohtak ophthalmologist Dr Ramesh Hooda were seen playing on the streets of the area. However, the village still has not achieved one ultimate goal: to produce its first IAS officer. For the past eight years, the mission has been carried out quietly in the once-bustling “baraat ghar”, a place filled with wedding celebrations, folk music and community gatherings. Refusing to wait for government assistance, nearly 25 professionals from the local Utthan Yuva Vikas Samiti Club transformed the old hall into a modern air-conditioned library with the help of community donations. Now equipped with Wi-Fi, computers, CCTV surveillance and thousands of books, all free. Local teacher Sunita Rani was selected from three candidates to take charge of the academic side of the job. Every evening, she provides free tutoring to help students with homework and mentor competitive exam candidates, saving many families the cost of private tutoring. The facility’s operating cost is nearly Rs 50,000 per month, including staff salaries, electricity, internet and maintenance charges. These costs are voluntarily borne by youth club members, with full support from the village committee. “This library is owned by this village and every student is welcome here regardless of caste or gender,” said Surender Hooda, the district’s block education officer. Chandigarh DGP Sagar Preet Hooda, who studied till eighth grade in a village government school, feels it is a responsibility to give back to the next generation. “There is no shortage of talent in rural areas, they just need a conducive environment, a right platform, career guidance at the right time. People like me just want to provide this for our children,” he said. Village chief Promila Devi believes the library has reshaped local life. “What was once an idle night for youngsters now sees students immersed in books. Its impact is seen in success stories like Somveer Singh, who prepared here before becoming a government lecturer in 2025, Indu Hooda and Ishika Rani, who cracked NEET in 2024 and 2023 and are now pursuing MBBS. For girls, a library located in the city center provides a safe option without having to travel to Rohtaq for nearly 20 years. Kilometers of coaching,” she said. Today, the building is buzzing with the quiet energy of students turning the pages of books, attending coaching sessions and preparing for competitive exams, dreaming of becoming the first IAS officer in Jindran.
