IAS Apoorv Devgan is a 2015 Batch officer of Himachal Pradesh Cadre and is currently posted as Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, HP. Throughout his career, he has been committed to establishing more and more libraries. Whether it was his first posting as SDM in Banjar, Kullu district, to Karsog in Mandi, and later as Deputy Commissioner in Chamba,he has consistently worked to create accessible learning spaces “I have been opening libraries wherever I have been going.”he shared.

With a Clear Vision and purpose, now in Mandi he aims to create 14 more digital libraries cum public reading spaces "With this mission, we have been opening 'Apna Pustakalaya' everywhere with students' ownership, ensuring that they are managing the space," he said.

Previously as DC, Chamba, Devgan played a key role in setting up 20 libraries across remote areas, panchayats, wards, and urban local bodies. "Work on 20 libraries was ongoing when I left the district, many of which have now been completed," he added.

For Devgan, libraries are more than just spaces filled with books,they are catalysts for change. "I believe, with my own personal experience, libraries are game changers, and they can change the lives of so many youth and families."he quoted

Reflecting on his own journey, he emphasised the role of libraries in his preparation "Libraries have always been an integral part of my preparation. Be it the Tata Memorial Library in Delhi School of Economics, where I found respite, or the Sarkari Library in Chandigarh. It was a space where I could just focus on what I'm trying to do." 

With the growing influence of social media and a decline in reading habits "We need libraries to channel the energy of the youth in the right direction. They have a lot of energy. It needs to be channelized positively, and the reading habit needs to be re-inculcated,"he said.

Recalling one of the most fulfilling moments of his journey,which further motivated him was when the library was opened in Karsog “I could see it always used to be full- students studying, preparing, and successfully clearing exams to become teachers, engineers etc. That was the biggest motivator in this entire exercise," he said.

Furthering his initiative,during the recent Shivratri celebrations in Mandi,a book collection drive was organised, encouraging students to donate books for others.

With every district he serves, his vision continues to unfold, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge and opportunities."My dream project would be to establish libraries wherever needed and feasible,"he shared.