IIT Palakkad to ‘lend’ people as books in first-of-its-kind human library
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Palakkad: What if a library lent out people instead of books? At the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Palakkad, this thought experiment is becoming a reality through an unconventional initiative called the “Human Library.”
The prestigious institute is bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to serve as "human books" — real people who share their personal journeys through one-on-one conversations. These stories are expected to offer readers valuable insights into resilience, discrimination, identity, and survival, going far beyond what printed pages can provide.
The concept is inspired by the globally renowned Human Library movement that began in Denmark. Now, IIT Palakkad, under the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences in collaboration with the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA), a flagship programme of the Union Ministry of Education, is preparing to bring the idea to Kerala.
Those who have faced social stigma or overcome challenges related to caste, class, gender, colour, disability, occupation, or other marginalising experiences are eligible to become “human books.” These individuals will voluntarily share their life stories with “readers” in a safe, dialogue-based environment.
Sudarshan R Kottayi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences and the lead coordinator of the project, said the Human Library is a unique space where lived experiences challenge stereotypes and foster social inclusion.
“We are now searching for human books — people who are willing to open up, challenge assumptions, and help create a more inclusive world through open dialogue,” Kottayi told PTI.
A queer mental health researcher and trained clinical psychologist himself, Kottayi said platforms like this are crucial for those who live on the margins of society to express the psychological trauma, emotional pain, and discrimination they endure on a daily basis.
Having experienced bias and stereotyping even within the IIT campus, he said he feels a personal conviction towards creating a space for these narratives. “If even one reader leaves the event with a changed perspective, it might pave the way for social change. That is our goal,” he added.
Kottayi has also reached out to the original Human Library organisation in Denmark and has been approved as a publishing partner, with IIT Palakkad designated as the host institution. As per the agreement, the event must be conducted within one year, and the institute is planning to hold it by January or February next year.
If successful, the partnership may be extended, allowing future events to be hosted in public venues such as libraries or town halls.
According to the official guidelines, participation as a human book must be entirely voluntary, and no monetary support can be offered. “People from anywhere in India can apply to become human books, but we are bound by the policy of the parent organisation in Denmark regarding compensation,” Kottayi explained.
Prabhulladas R, UBA project coordinator at IIT Palakkad, emphasised that the Human Library recognises the deeply emotional, often silenced, realities of marginalised people. “Here, the individual becomes the book, and their personal experiences form the chapters,” he said.
The team is currently identifying potential human books, with applications coming in from diverse communities across India. So far, seven individuals have been shortlisted, including a person with complete albinism, a person with disabilities, and a transgender doctor, though nothing has been finalised yet.
As per Human Library norms, at least 12 “books” are required to conduct the event. Once selected, the individuals will undergo orientation sessions led by the IIT team to help them prepare for their roles.
Since the event involves live conversations, “books” must be ready to face any kind of questions from readers. However, they are under no obligation to answer questions they find uncomfortable. “They can simply respond, ‘That chapter is yet to be written,’” Kottayi said.
He emphasised the importance of ensuring that the event does not become another source of trauma for participants. “These individuals have already faced emotional and physical abuse. This initiative is meant to empower them, not retraumatise them,” he added.
The event is expected to draw participation from students, scholars, youth, and members of the general public who are interested in learning directly from lived experiences, IIT sources said.
With PTI inputs
