Citizens of Ulaanbaatar are well-acquainted with the elderly man affectionately known as the “Grandfather in a Deel.” For decades, he has stood near the Central Post Office, wearing his traditional Mongolian hat and deel, braving all seasons to sell books.
For over 30 years, he has devoted his life to offering meaningful and rare books to children and youth, spreading the value and culture of literature. His unwavering dedication has made him a beloved figure among the city’s residents.
On August 4, in an interview with Eguur.mn, he revealed facing financial difficulties. Upon hearing this, the Trade and Development Bank (TDB) reached out to N. Baasandorj, affectionately known as the “Grandfather in a Deel,” and resolved his financial concerns.
This collaboration underscores TDB’s commitment to supporting the community and preserving cultural heritage.
With the mission to “Nurture intelligent and bright Mongolian children,” the Trade and Development Bank (TDB) has partnered with N. Baasandorj, a Meritorious Artist of Mongolia and honorary citizen of Ulaanbaatar, for its “Limitless Dreams” project. The partnership agreement was officially signed, marking a significant step in the project’s progress.
As part of this collaboration, “Grandfather in a Deel” will deliver lectures to secondary school students on the importance, benefits, and value of building a relationship with books. Learning from his wisdom and life experience will be an invaluable opportunity for the younger generation.
N. Baasandorj, reflecting on the partnership, said:
"I am deeply grateful to the TDB team for their warm reception and for offering this opportunity to collaborate. The “Limitless Dreams” project is a wonderful initiative that supports children’s education, personal growth, and character development. Children often admire and learn from the positive role models they encounter in books. To support this project, I have brought over 150 books on literature and knowledge for young readers."
This collaboration promises to inspire and enrich the lives of children, fostering a lifelong love of learning and reading.
O. Banzragch, First Deputy CEO of Trade and Development Bank
“We launched the ‘Limitless Dreams’ project in 2018 with the goal of creating a comfortable learning environment for the children and youth of Mongolia, supporting their growth into healthy, knowledgeable, and virtuous individuals. Over the past years, we have renovated and enriched the libraries of 40 secondary schools nationwide, contributing to the education of over 71,000 students. Our future plan is to extend this initiative to renovate and stock the libraries of 300 secondary schools across the country. We are pleased to partner with N. Baasandorj, whose goals and aspirations align with those of the Trade and Development Bank, to further this mission.”
