In Khandigiri area of Bhubaneswar, a silent revolution is going on – a revolution to revive the reading habit among people and bring books closer to people.
From a time when voracious readers were touted as the intellectual group, the reading habit has gone for a toss in recent times. Call it the craze for digitalized medium or simply non-interest, the hard cover books that once used to adorn the shelves at homes, is now found perhaps at the store area.
In such times, there is however this duo, which is making all the difference. Shatabdi and Akshaya, who started Walking Bookfairs are today known names in the book industry for their innovative methods to promote reading.
The movement which started with carrying a few books on a backpack to remote villages of Koraput, gained momentum after the duo purchased an old ambulance and converted it into a mobile book shop, driving it to all the districts in the state. With more funds, they even undertook a pan India tour, making friends on way and promoting more books.
Currently, they have a bookshack in Khandigiri area. Though it is not like a
big store boasting of a grandeur set-up, but is more comfortable and has a
perfect ambience for booklovers. Unlike most shops, the duo are not adamant on
selling books, rather give their customer a chance to touch them, browse
through it and get a feel of it.
What’s more exciting? They have discounts all year round. So, if you are a bibliophile, it’s the place to be at!