An emotional moment unfolded on the set of the quiz reality show Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 when legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan revisited an unfulfilled dream tied to his roots. While conversing with a contestant, the veteran host reflected on the long-pending launch of a children's library in his ancestral village. Bachchan publicly expressed regret over the significant delay in making the facility operational and assured villagers that the project would soon be completed and opened for study.
Contestant's Pratapgarh Background Revives Ancestral Ties
The conversation took a poignant turn when contestant Chandra Prakash Tiwari revealed his personal connection to Pratapgarh. Hearing the name of Babu Patti instantly struck an emotional chord with Amitabh Bachchan, who explained to the audience that this village is the sacred birthplace of his ancestors. The actor fondly recalled that his father, the celebrated Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, hailed from this very soil. Highlighting that lineage, the actor noted that Babu Patti was the home of his forefathers and the place where his father originated.
Jaya Bachchan Proposed the Dedicated Reading Space
Explaining the genesis of the educational initiative, Bachchan shared that the concept originated from his wife and actress Jaya Bachchan. During an earlier visit to Babu Patti alongside him, she observed that local children lacked an appropriate and quiet environment dedicated to reading and academic pursuits. Following that visit, the couple formulated a plan to erect a fully functional library in the village. While the physical structure was eventually erected, various hurdles prevented the installation of necessary amenities, leaving the initiative stalled before it could welcome readers.
Public Apology to Babu Patti Villagers and a Firm Commitment
Addressing the residents of Babu Patti directly through the national television platform, Bachchan tendered an apology for the prolonged stagnation of the project. He appealed to the villagers not to lose heart, reassuring them from the game show's stage that the facility would commence operations without further substantial delay. The host highlighted that the basic building is already in place and that the immediate focus is on furnishing the interior and stocking the shelves with essential books and educational materials so local youth can finally pursue their studies there.
Two Decades of Stalled Progress Since the 2006 Opening
The library project dates back roughly twenty years. In 2006, Jaya Bachchan along with former Member of Parliament Amar Singh formally inaugurated the 'Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan Smarak Pustakalaya' in honour of the late literary icon. Following that high-profile inaugural ceremony, persistent logistical obstacles and a severe lack of ongoing maintenance prevented the institution from ever running smoothly. Over the years of neglect, the building gradually fell into disrepair. With Bachchan's latest public pledge, residents in Pratapgarh are once again hopeful that the memorial library will finally serve its intended educational purpose.
