There are no books in this library, it’s people who are the stories

GURGAON: In March this year, an idea born in 2000 made its bow in India, in Hyderabad. Recently, after having travelled to Pune, Mumbai and Delhi, the 'Human Library' came to Gurgaon.

Started by a group of activist-friends in Denmark, the Human Library is today present in 48 countries. It's a concept that seeks to confront and challenge stereotypes through conversations.

So, just as you don't judge a book by its cover, you don't judge anyone without at first getting to know them.

The Human Library hopes to bridge gaps, alter misconceptions and sweep away prejudices - through storytelling.

Only, here, the 'books' are not hardbacks or paperbacks but flesh-and-blood individuals. Here, storytellers are on loan to 'readers'. They are books with emotions.

And the response in Gurgaon showed that many are anxious to stem the rising tide of vitriol and malevolence, to reach out and understand the other, and help build a more tolerant and kinder society.

"It was a Sunday, and we wondered whether people would be willing to come. But we were happy with the response and the crowd," shared Tanya Goel, lead organiser of the Human Library (Gurgaon Chapter).

At 91springboard, a co-working space in the city, men and women came to share their experiences of what it feels like to be marginalised in society.

There were folks from the LGBTQ community who've had to face the barbs of homophobia, the differently-abled (no less able than any of us), the emotionally vulnerable, people who grew up on the mean streets, and those who have stared into the abyss of drug abuse.

Across sessions lasting not longer than 25 minutes, peopled related stories from their lives, stories of pain but also of resilience. Each session had five people to a 'book'. "We don't usually 'read' humans, so I wasn't sure what to expect!" confessed Nishu Goel, who is studying at Manav Rachna International University, Faridabad. Goel was moved by the story of a girl who succeeds despite suffering from a neurological disorder.

"One, she's a girl, and second, she has epilepsy. And yet, she's still able to achieve in life, which is so inspiring, especially for a girl."

Rishabh Jain, a student of Bharti Vidyapeeth, Delhi, said he learnt empathy listening to the experience of someone who grew up homeless.

"What I took away from this was that the problems we face in life are very small, they're nothing compared to the bigger problems that others are going through," Jain observed.

Ultimately, it's about accepting people as they are. Kanika Bisht, a fashion designer, drew motivation from one who has courageously battled bipolar disorder.

"It was so inspiring meeting with and talking to them, and to see how they're living happily despite the difficulties they encounter," admitted Bisht.

The Gurgaon organisers are hoping to have a permanent set-up soon, with a focus on a gathering every month. They deserve every encouragement, for the Human Library can join hearts and help heal.