In Melghat like tribal areas, children and teachers always face problem related to understanding of language. Geographically Melghat is in Maharashtra hence Marathi is the medium of teaching in the schools. All the prescribed books are in state language-Marathi, but mother tongue of ‘Korku’ tribe is ‘Korku’ named language without script. They do speak in Hindi as their neighbouring state is Madhya Pradesh. It becomes very difficult for the children in primary schools to understand and learn new language in the very beginning of school. Children do not get attracted towards books and do not take any interest in reading the books. Learning unknown language in Schools, and going through, or observing irrelevant pictures and topics is boring for them. If they see or even listen to stories based on their day to day routine, pictures drawn and sketches based on festivals, forest or animals then they can easily relate to their own experiences.

The book full of pictures and drawings, easy to understand even at primary level, was not available. Up to 2014 a single- bilingual book was not available for the children in Melghat. (Marathi and Korku) Mulgami publication, under the guidance of acclaimed Consultant in Education, Ms. Varsha Saharabuddhe, with the help of Tata Trust, prepared few books for Bhill and Pawra’s of Nadurbar district.

Taking inspiration and help from the same resource, “MAITRI” brought in a set of three books of nine stories in Marathi and Korku.  At the time Diwali vacation, books were distributed to all the Children in the camp, their reactions and expressions were very special. Looking at the enthusiastic welcome for the books, thought of bringing many bilingual books for them is very necessary. But there is limitation of funds for publishing more such books.

Along with the bilingual books, idea of ‘Book Bank’ has been implemented in five villages. Volunteers of ‘Mayboli’ and few volunteers from Mumbai helped for Book Bank. A Box full of books and few periodicals has been made available for children and youngsters. These books are in Marathi -Hindi and English. Our local worker known as ‘Gavmitra’ maintains a record of books. The next step is towards weekly book reading in the group. The idea is, in that group, younger children in the village will listen to stories read or told for them by elder children. Eventually they will discuss news items from the newspapers and thus ‘culture of reading’ can be inculcated.