Retired schoolteacher Tripta Sharma, 80, has distributed over 5000 textbooks to kids this year alone; shows no sign of slowing down
Tripta Sharma
When 17-year-old Sachin Yadav, a Std XII student from Juinagar, Navi Mumbai, began looking for books related to competitive exams, he was shocked by the high cost of books. “The lowest rate I was getting was Rs 800 per book,” he said. For a student from a modest background, this was discouraging. That is when a friend gave him an unexpected lead. “Try asking Tripta aunty in Kharghar,” the friend said and shared her contact number. Sachin was puzzled. How could she possibly help?
Sachin decided to reach out. “I was amazed when she said she had the books,” said Sachin. “Aunty not only had all the books I needed but also gave them away for free — with just one condition. Never sell the books as raddhi [scrap]. If you don’t need them, return them or pass them on to someone who does,” recalled Sachin.
That simple rule is at the heart of 80-year-old Tripta Sharma’s mission, ‘Padega Bharat Toh Badega Bharat’. What began as a small gesture during the COVID-19 lockdown has now grown steadily, driven by her conviction that no child should be denied education due to a lack of resources.
(From left) Sachin Yadav receives study material from Tripta Sharma; the room where the octogenarian stores textbooks; the former schoolteacher has been involved in social service for years. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
“Every book should give a chance to a child to dream big, and no book should land in raddhi,” said Tripta. A retired higher secondary school teacher from Delhi, Tripta now lives in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. Her mornings are spent reading and writing poetry. Her evenings, from 5 pm to 7 pm from Monday to Friday, are devoted to receiving and distributing textbooks, exam guides, and storybooks related to various educational boards, all for free.
“Evening hours are not for rest. They are for reaching out and for making a difference,” Tripta said. Whenever she receives a book or a set of books from a donor, Tripta carefully writes her mission name, Padega Bharat Toh Badega Bharat, on the inside cover. She then shares a short message in the dedicated WhatsApp group she has created. The word spreads quickly, and books find their way into the hands of students who need them.
Her journey began in 2020, when the pandemic disrupted lives and left many families unable to access study material. “Seeing the growing need, I decided to step in. I began by posting book requirements in WhatsApp groups. People responded warmly. Old books were dropped off at my doorstep, and I would ensure they reached those who had requested specific books, ensuring full precaution was maintained,” she said.
Her room gradually transformed into a book bank. This year, she has distributed over 5009 books so far. Her small room now resembles a mini-library, with stacks of neatly arranged and labelled books ready to be shared.
Tripta’s passion for education goes beyond distributing books. She was previously associated with the NGO Robin Hood Army, where she volunteered her time to teach underprivileged children in and around Kharghar. She credits her parents for instilling in her strong values of kindness, service, and giving back to society.
At an age when most people slow down, Tripta remains unstoppable. “I just wish I had half the energy and passion my mother has when I reach her age,” said Kanika Sharma, 42, her daughter. “Her positivity and dedication to helping others have inspired not just me, but also my teenage son,” she added.
Others in the community are equally inspired by her selfless service. Bhawana Gupta, 50, a Kharghar resident, recalls how Tripta’s initiative helped her during the pandemic. “I have known Tripta-ji for a long time. Her initiative is a blessing, and many, especially during the COVID-19 period, benefited from it. Because of her, I was able to help my friends get the CBSE books they needed for their children,” she said.
Tripta’s efforts have now sparked a ripple effect. Friends and well-wishers in Delhi are planning to start similar book-sharing drives in their neighbourhoods, inspired by her simple yet impactful work.
How you can help
Want to support Tripta’s mission or donate books? Connect with her on Instagram @granny_speaks and be part of the change.
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