This boy built a library for his neighbours

He won the Distinguished Student Award of the Hamdan Foundation and was mentioned by Indian politician Shashi Tharoor on Twitter.

An Indian student is encouraging his neighbours and the rest of the community to use the small library at his home, which he has put together from book donation drives.
Kashinadh Pranesh, a nine-year-old student at GEMS Millennium School in Sharjah, is on a mission to inspire people to know more about the world and instil the love of reading in the youth.
He has previously been recognised in the UAE for his academic and philanthropic achievements. Last year, he donated the funds he won in a spelling bee to the victims of the Kerala floods.
About two weeks ago, he won the Distinguished Student Award of the Hamdan Foundation. His efforts and achievements were also mentioned by Indian politician Shashi Tharoor on his Twitter account.
"Young Kashinadh adds to his laurels: the Hamdan Award for Distinguished student from HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Finance Minister of UAE, for academic performance, other talents and social activities. Congrats young man," the tweet said.
Now, the young student is looking to motivate people to make reading a habit.
"In 2016, the Year of Reading in the UAE, I came to know the importance of reading, so I have started collecting books through
book drives and charity drives and started my own small library.
"Through this library, I wish to encourage my friends and neighbours to read more," Pranesh said.
"In this digital world, kids spend more time tinkering with their gadgets and playing video games, which are not good habits. We can instead read books so that we can improve our vocabulary, concentration and memory.
"Reading will take us to the imaginary world and shape our dreams. And these dreams will guide us to a bright future."
Pranesh is also a green warrior, and as an active member of various eco-groups in the UAE, he helps raise people's awareness of the importance of protecting the environment.
He has been involved in activities such as planting trees and has collected and recycled more than 1.5 tonnes of newspaper, 50 mobile phones, and 50kg of plastics from his neighbours and friends.
"This will motivate others to protect the environment, cut their waste production, and reduce carbon emissions," he added.
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE