“As the internet was another revolution in the present world, yet the written document in hand is more valuable and important which always create an impression on the mind never to fade”, said Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh while inaugurating the first ‘Book café’ at Ridge (Takka bench) completed with an outlay of Rs 20 lakh built up by the Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC).
The café situated at Takka Bench is in very commanding position, just above the historical Ridge and on way to the famous Jakhu temple. The café will prove to be a boon for the locals and the tourists, who will yet find another place in the town to relax and enjoy the serene environment and scenic beauty of Shimla hills besides going through best of the books.
While interacting on the occasion, Virbhadra Singh said that the company of books gives the pleasure of both company of man and nature. Every page of a good book is a store-house of man’s best and noblest thoughts, he said, adding that the book café inaugurated today would have compilations of the mighty minds of the whole world. The book café initially would be run by the inmates of Kaithu Jail. Both Jai Chand and Yog Raj, undergoing life imprisonment were seen in the role of ‘Chefs’ and seemed happy to meet the Chief Minister. Another two inmates, Ram Lal and Raj Kumar would also assist them in serving beverages to the visitors.
Talking to the media about the café being run by jail inmates, the Chief Minister said that it was a good step and certainly one should be given a fair chance to be associated with the mainstream and lead a normal life. All prisoners must be given opportunities to improve themselves and work to earn livelihood, he said. Mayor Sanjay Chauhan and Deputy Mayor Tikendar Panwar were also present on the occasion amongst others.
