IIT Palakkad’s Human Library – Connecting People Through Real Life Stories
IIT Palakkad has started Kerala’s first campus-based Human Library, where people share their life stories instead of books. Volunteers from diverse and often marginalized backgrounds act as “human books,” having one on one talks with “readers” to break stereotypes, build empathy, and encourage open conversations on sensitive topics. The event is inspired by the global Human Library movement from Denmark and is organized by IIT’s Humanities Department along with the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan under the Union Ministry of Education.
Who Becomes a ‘Human Book’?
The Human Library at IIT Palakkad invites people who have faced social stigma or overcome challenges such as issues related to caste, class, gender, color, disability, or job. Early applicants include a person with albinism, a transgender doctor, and someone with disabilities. To hold the event, at least 12 “human books” are needed. Those selected will get training and support before sharing their stories.
What Happens in a Human Library Session?
Unlike regular lectures, these sessions are personal and interactive, allowing readers to ask honest but respectful questions. Storytellers can choose not to answer anything that makes them uncomfortable, following the Human Library’s belief that “no chapter need be read if it’s not yet written.” The aim is not to highlight trauma, but to humanize marginalized experiences and connect different communities.
Why Does It Matter?
Assistant Professor Sudarshan R Kottayi, the project coordinator, says the Human Library helps people “challenge assumptions and build a more inclusive world through open conversations.” Both readers and storytellers leave with a wider view, often gaining deeper insights into issues like discrimination and resilience.
The IIT team is in the process of recruiting and finalizing their pool of “books,” with hopes of hosting the event by January or February 2026. If the initiative is successful, the partnership could be extended and future human library events may be held in public spaces like libraries and town halls, reaching a wider audience.
