📌 Introduction: When an Auto Becomes a Classroom
In a unique initiative now going viral, the Mysuru Auto Library is capturing hearts and headlines. Run by a passionate auto driver named Ramesh, this mobile reading corner proves that big changes often start in small spaces.
In a world dominated by smartphones and streaming apps, an autorickshaw in Mysuru, Karnataka, is quietly turning heads—and opening minds. The reason? This isn’t just any auto—it’s a mobile library, stocked with dozens of books, quotes from great minds, and a driver with a mission: to bring back the habit of reading.
A video of this “auto library” recently went viral on social media, earning love, shares, and praise from netizens across the country. But beyond the trending hashtags lies a beautiful story of passion, selflessness, and literacy.
🎥 How It Went Viral
It all started when a passenger captured a short clip of the auto’s interior. In the now-viral video, viewers see:
- Shelves stacked with Kannada and English books
- Inspirational quotes from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Swami Vivekananda, and more
- A calm, smiling driver explaining his mission
Within hours, the video crossed 3 million+ views across platforms like Instagram, X (Twitter), and WhatsApp forwards.
The internet dubbed him:
- “The Mobile Librarian”
- “India’s Most Literate Auto”
- “A moving temple of learning”
👨🔧 Meet the Man Behind the Wheel
The auto belongs to M. Ramesh, a humble driver with a big vision. In his mid-40s, Ramesh says he never intended to go viral—he just wanted to give people something more meaningful than scrolling during their ride.
“People waste time looking at their phones during travel. I thought, why not give them something that feeds their mind instead?” – Ramesh
Ramesh is not a college graduate. He left school early to support his family but never gave up on learning. Over time, he developed a deep love for books, especially those on self-improvement and philosophy.
📚 What’s Inside the Auto-Library?
The Mysuru Auto Library holds around 40 to 50 books ranging from Kannada literature to short stories and motivational texts. Riders are encouraged to borrow, read, and even donate to keep the Mysuru Auto Library going strong.
Ramesh’s rickshaw is neatly modified to carry:
- ~40–50 books in rotating circulation
- Topics like biographies, self-help, Kannada literature, short stories, exam prep
- A plastic cover to protect books from weather
- A suggestion notebook for passengers to leave book reviews or comments
There’s also a noticeboard-style section that changes daily:
- “Quote of the Day”
- Book recommendations
- A motivational poster (like “Read at least 10 pages daily”)
❤️ How Passengers React
Passengers aren’t just surprised—they’re moved. One of the most touching parts of the Mysuru Auto Library is its emotional impact. Students, workers, and elderly passengers have praised the experience, calling it “refreshing” and “better than any smartphone app.
“It reminded me of childhood. I picked up a book after years—because of this ride.”
– Sneha Rao, Mysuru college student
“He’s doing more for literacy than some schools. It’s beautiful.”
– Dr. Nagesh R., retired professor
Some passengers have even donated books. One school principal pledged to supply used textbooks every month.
🌍 The Bigger Message: Literacy Isn’t Just a Government Job
“The Mysuru Auto Library doesn’t just offer rides, it offers reflection…”
“Several schools in the region are now partnering with the Mysuru Auto Library project…”
India has made huge progress in literacy over the past two decades—but reading as a habit is on the decline. Especially with younger generations addicted to screens.
That’s where people like Ramesh step in—not as policy-makers, but as change-makers.
His auto challenges us to ask:
- Are we really learning in our free time?
- What if every small space—a bus stop, a train, a tea stall—became a micro library?
- Could we start something similar?
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🧠 Impact Beyond the Ride
Ramesh doesn’t charge extra for his service. In fact, he sometimes waits longer to let passengers finish a page. Inspired by the Mysuru Auto Library, several NGOs and book clubs in Karnataka are planning to introduce similar autos in Bengaluru and Hubballi. The ripple effect is real.
Here’s how his effort is making waves:
- Local NGOs have approached him to collaborate on mobile reading programs.
- A Mysuru-based book club has offered free books for his collection.
- School children now request rides in “the book auto” just to pick up comics and quiz books.
Ramesh’s goal?
“One day, I want to inspire 100 more autos to do the same.”
📸 Why This Story Went Viral
- Visual Appeal: A tiny auto bursting with books is a story made for Instagram.
- Emotional Touch: It hits the sweet spot between nostalgia and hope.
- Cultural Pride: Promotes Kannada literature alongside English books.
- Message Over Marketing: There’s no brand. No QR code. Just intent.
The world is hungry for positive, purposeful content—and this was it. Unlike paid promotions or branded campaigns, the Mysuru Auto Library went viral because of its authenticity. It wasn’t marketing—it was meaning.
📣 What Can Be Done Next?
The success of the Mysuru Auto Library could easily be scaled to other parts of India. With enough support, the model could evolve into a nationwide micro-literacy movement.
Here’s how this initiative could scale up:
- 💡 Sponsor-a-Book Campaigns (from locals, corporates, schools)
- 🛺 10 Autos, 10 Libraries program in Mysuru
- 📱 QR Code Inside Auto – to link to free eBooks or audio versions
- 🎓 Reading Challenge for Riders – discounts or rewards for reading logs
And who knows? If supported, Ramesh could train other auto drivers in other cities.
🏁 Final Words
In a country where millions still struggle with access to books, the Mysuru Auto Library stands as a moving, breathing classroom—reminding us that education doesn’t need to wait for permission.
In a time when news is often dark or divisive, Ramesh’s story brings a rare kind of light. He reminds us that real change doesn’t always need policies or money—just intent.
“Education is not just about schools. Sometimes, it begins in the back of an auto.”