Ajjichya Pustakancha Hotel: Where Wisdom and Flavor Converge!
Shrimati Bhimabai Sampat Jondhale, a remarkable woman with a heart as vast as her dreams, has created a unique oasis of knowledge and flavors on the Mumbai-Agra Highway, between Nashik and Ojhar village. Her brainchild, the "Ajjichya Pustakancha Hotel" (Grandmothers Hotel with Books), showcases her relentless spirit and unwavering commitment to nurturing both the intellect and the palate. Bhimabai's journey is nothing short of inspirational. She dropped out from school in fifth grade and was married at the tender age of 11. When her land became unyielding due to its proximity to local industries, she resorted to setting up a humble tea stall in 2010. Alongside, she distributed newspapers and supplied meals to highway laborers. Over time, Bhimabai's tea stall transformed into a flourishing restaurant with an innovative twist. Inside the restaurant, she diligently accumulated a collection of over 8,000 publications. Initially, people scoffed at the concept of combining dining with reading. However, as her patrons began to browse through the treasure trove of books and magazines, the tide turned. Bhimabai's desire to instill a love for reading, especially among the younger generation, is unwavering. She gifts books on various occasions and worries about the excessive use of mobile phones and the internet by today's youth. Her selfless dedication earned her recognition when the BBC covered her story. Bhimabai, a 73-year-old dynamo, continues to work tirelessly, while her 84-year-old husband supports her in this noble endeavor. Her "Ajjichya Pustakancha Hotel" stands as a living monument to her unwavering commitment to knowledge, kindness, and community. In a world that often emphasizes modernity, Bhimabai's legacy reminds us of the timeless virtues of simplicity, generosity, and the enduring magic of books.
