Sunil Kumar KR, librarian of Choornikara Panchayat Library, leads 50 women volunteers from over 250 Kudumbashree units. These women, aged 23 to 68, are key to the success of the Aksharadeepam project, started in 2023 to promote reading. Books bought with ₹1.5 lakh from the panchayat and donations are delivered directly to homes. The project now serves 1000 houses in the Panchayat’s 21 wards. The women call themselves "warriors" supporting this voluntary work without pay. "I just need to ask them to do something and it will be done," says Sunil. Volunteers like Athikka Beevi KK and Sherbila MS say, "Sunil sir needs our support to sustain this project and we are determined to ensure its longevity." Books are carried in numbered maroon cloth bags, now holding 17 books each. They include Malayalam fiction by authors like Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai and KR Meera, plus non-fiction and PSC exam materials. “Slim books are chosen so they are easy to read,” says Sunil. Volunteers exchange book bags every first Sunday of the month. The library organizes activities and gives mementos to keep volunteers motivated. The project, part of international research, grew from 100 to 1000 homes thanks to word of mouth beyond Kudumbashree members. "Reading is not simple for women—they have housework and children," says volunteer Sreeja Mani. The team was carefully selected through multiple screenings to ensure real interest in reading. They gain the satisfaction of bringing books to people who want them but can’t visit libraries. Recently, the project reached a milestone of 700 houses. AN Shamseer, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, honored the volunteers with mementos. "Being acknowledged feels so good," says Sherbila. The women continue their Sunday mission, rain or shine, spreading the light of reading.