PONDA, March 26 -- SANTOSH NAIK

For Uday Chepo Gaonkar, the need to ignite and inspire young minds has proven to be far more important than family legacy. The dedicated educator from Okamb-Dharbandora has transformed his family's ancestral bar into a library, a decision that was feted by villagers and public figures from the area, who had gathered on Wednesday at the inauguration of the library.

As the library, which also serves as a Lokseva Centre, was thrown open, Sarpanch Balaji Gawas lauded Gaonkar's decision to shut down his bar and open a space that will serve as a 'temple of knowledge' for the community.

Gaonkar, who has been in the teaching profession for 35 years, holding roles such as Headmaster, Principal, and Deputy Directo...